Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1859-09-01

hogany chairs, with their seats Of crimson
velvet; the beautiful framed oil paintings
the superb mantle ornaments and richly bound
books upon the marble-top center-table; the
rich damask and lace curtains at the win
dows; the gorgeous and velvety carpet be-
meath his feet the massive chanderlier ovel
his head the soft and luxurious ottomans,
sofas, and lounges, and the sleep. provoking
bed in the corner, with its rich furniture and
gausy curtains-were all object Of interest
to Wentworth.
Yielding to the temptation, he threw him.
self upon the lounge; and, lighting cigar,
seemed for awhile to be buried in deep
thought sStrangev he exclaimed, putting
aside the cigar, and refreshing himself with
a draught of wine from his fash; strange,
that I should find things thus Everything
is as I left it, though the house seems to
have been utterly deserted for the past thir-
teen years. sHa! footsteps on the stairs
again " he suddenly exclaimed, starting to
his feet, and hurrying to the door. 'In the
name of heaven who goes there ! he shout,
ed but all was silent again, save the echo
of his own voice.
sWho can it be?' he said aloud, as he
paced the carpeted room to and fro. IF the
house is and has been occupied by human
beings, they certainly are singular or ra-
wing mad. How comes this room opened ;
and why should these keys be left in this
particular door, unless it is made use of by
some person?' 'And this bed, too,' hecon-
tinued, drawing aside the curtains, 'does not
appear to have been oc- heavens how
came this pillow pressed and wet, too, as
1 am living man Aha so there has been
some one here, sure enough fine apart
ment, 'pon my word ?
Wentworth was about to leave the apart
ment for the purpose of searching the other
rooms when the old tower bell began slowly
to toll again.
'I'll soon put an end to that nonsense,
said he, locking the door and putting the
bunch of keys in his pocket. IF have to
remain in the house for month, I will do
so cbeerfully, sooner than leave it without
clearing up all this mysteryP And so say
ing, he once more lighted his candle, and
began to ascend the last fight of stairs.
Arriving at the last floor he opened the
window atthe end of hepassage, after which
he succeeded in opening all the doors on Ell
ther side. These rooms were quite destitute
of furniture, and appeared to have been
closed for considerable length of time.
'Now for the tower p said he, as he trim.
med his candle, and prepared to ascend a
narrow and dilapidated staircase. About
half way on the stairs he paused to listen,
and distinctly heard footsteps in the passage
below, and noise like unto the opening and
shutting Of doors. For moment or two he
knew not whether to descend and endeavor
to ascertain the cause or these strange sounds,
or'to proceed to the belfry in the tower
Concluding to do the latter, he again resum-
ed the ascent, and finally reached the belfry.
The clapper of the old bell was still moving
the weather beaten rope still quivering ;
but no human being was there. Again did
Wentworth feel chilling sensation pass
through his frame for certainly no one had
been able to leave the belfry and descend
the stairs without meeting him on the way.
distraction = he exclaimed aloud, draw
ing his pistol from his bosom; 'man, woman,
iend or devil-whatever and whoever you
be-show thyself! So saying he rushed
madly down the stairs To his utmost as
tonishment, the doors ard windows, which
he had but just opened, were all closed.
Scarcely knowing what to think, or how
to act, he descended to the third floor, then
to the second; finding every door and win
dow closed, except the one whose shutter he
had hurled into the court below.
My candle cannot hold out much longer,
said he, as he opened the window in the hall
and put out the remains of his candle. sAh!
he continued, 'here' are some doors which
have not opened yet; and, perhaps, some
of these keys may gain me an admitance.
So saying, Wentworth approached the doo1
nearest to him, and after considerable effor
succeeded in his attempts to open it.
As he entered the apartment and gropet
about in the darkness, in search of a win
dow, hand was laid heavily upon his shoul
der, and harsh voice almost screamed il
his ear: Thou prince of Williams, I war;
thee to beware
who are you p asked Wentworth, throw
ing his arm wildly about. Speak or, b.
heavens! I shall fire.
Claude Milton, warn thee to beware
replied the unknown, in deep, sepulchra
tone of voice
sClaude lNilton!" repeated Wentworth
anxiousy feeling along the wall for win
dow, that is not my name
Thou liest deep, dark, bloody william
almost shrieked the invisible being.
Il shall soon find out who it is, that dare
to address me thus replied Wentworth, a
his hand came in contact with the bolt g
one of the windows.
sDidst think to murder the boy, as tho
didst his poor mother?-answer me thai
thou doubly.dyed william!
sBoy! wh.wh-what boy?-I murder hi
nsotherr said Wentworth and clutchin