Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1857-11-12

reply. ,
The young bricklayer seemed much struck
by the mysterious proposition of his strange
visitor. "..
Gould I but know there was nothing
criminal, nothing
1T is enough that you have nothing to dc
but follow my directions. All will be well
with you, and the pay shall be yours in ad'
vance, if you require it. He flung down
purse, we'll filled with gold, on the table,
Horace's eyes glistened, but he was silent.
There are one hundred dollars-they are
yours, if yon consent
sOne hundred dollars impossible !! l
cannot accept-it looks too much like a
bribe for committing some horrid crime
some .....
Hush my friend, I know your circum'
stances, and your services tonight will fully
compensate me for the triding sum. Doyou
.consent?
Horace threw on his well-worn overcoat,
and taking with him some small implements
of his trade, he followed the unknown to
the waiting carriage. Once within the We
hicle handkerchief was bound tightly over
his eyes, and the the night of blindness set
tied over every object.
On, and on rolled the phaton, over Boyn-
toms Bridge, and past the canal toll-gate,
over the brick pavements, out upon the
plank road, until at last the wheels revolved
upon the hard, gravel of turnpike, Bye
and bye, the way became rough and stony,
and Horace knew that they had left the
city and its envirous far behind them. Not
word had been exchanged between Horace
and the unknown, and the man who held
the reins and guided the horses was silent
as the grave.
At length the carriage stopped, and Hor-
ace was assisted to alight He was con-
Quoted up grassy path, and into some sort t
of building-he knew it by the confined
air and the heavy clang of doors behind
him. With the unknown holding fast to
his arm, he ascended two flights Of stairs
then passed through several mouldy damp
rooms; then down flight fsteps; through
long, empty corridor ; and then success
sively descended four winding staircases-
the last of unhewn stone. The air grew
moist and dense, the odor oppressive.
Where are YOU leading me?' Flintwood
ventured to ask of his mysterious guide.
1T matters mott was the brief, stern re-
ply.
They stopped before massive, iron door,
tronglysecuredby bolts, fastenlngln grooves
cut far into the solh rock Of the casing
Down into their inches fell the ponderous
bars as the twain passed thrOugh the en-
trance, and the door closed to with a dull;
heavy bang.
The unknown paused, and drew off the
bandage from Horace's eyes.
They stood in long, low apartment, the
sides of which were of black brick, and the
arched roof of dingy grey stone. The aim
light which the unknown carried in his
hand only served to make more hideous the
dismal gloom of the place.
In the centre of the room there was an
obloug box, of unpublished oak, screwed to,
gether by heavy iron screws, and in general
appearance not unlike coffin. A thrill OF
superstitious horror passed through Horace's
frame he started back few PAGES, still re-
sarding with distended eyesthe object before
him.
well p he spoke inquiriugly.
That box returned the unknown, 'con'
taips treasure-of what form it matters not
to YOU; suffice it that wish7it placed here
he pointed to a recess in an angle of the
wall-sand then you arc to build across the
aperture solid line of masonry-sold,
mind YOU two tiers of brick, breastwlse,
and coat of strong plaster over the whole
You will find all the materials necessary to
your work here; and at precisely four O'Clock
| shall expect to have the job complete
Until that hour you will be alone-then
will come for you!
Horace drew back. i cannot, unless
know the contents of that casket. 1t may
be that | am emyloyed-made the instru'
ment of some dreadful villanny! indeed,
indeed, / cannot go toswork in this blind un-
certainty
Choose between it and DEATH came
through the clenched teeth of the unknown
and drawing a revolver from his breast, he
held it in frightful proximity to the young
mans forehead.
your decision! His voice was low, but
awfully clear and distinct.
Il CONSENT Horace spoke the words with
out shadow of quivering.
Enough" " and now leave you to your,
self. If your work is done to my satisfac'
tion,- an additional hundred shall reward
you for the fright I have given you" He
lighted an iron lamp which hung suspended
from the roof of the cellar, and with, a
courteous good night the unknown with
drew, boiling the door behind him.
Horace was left alone in the silent and
mysterious chamber.
A strange awe stole over him, and min
gled with the overmastering curiosity he fell
to examine the sealed box. Come what
would he determined to have a glimpse Of
the treasure concealed there, and Horace
Flintwood, when once resolved upon any
thing, however perilous, was as immovable
as the eternal rock of Gibraltar
Sacpr;no the door upon the inside, with