Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1867-09-25
A Lucky Mason.

There was once upon time poor mason
Or blcklaycr in Grenada, who kept all the
Saint's days and holidays, and St. Monday
in the bargain, and yet, with all bis devotion
he grew poorer and poorer, and could scarce
ly earn Tread for his numerous family. Ore
night lc was aroused from his first sleep by
aknockng at the door. He opened it, and
bchcld before him tall, meager, cadaver9us
locking priest.
"Hark yc, honest friend" said the stran
ger; have observed that you are good
christian, and one 10 be trusted viii you ua-
dcrtakc job this very night ?'
"Wih all my heart, Senor Padre, on con
dition that am paid accordingly"
"Tbat you SHALL but ycu must suffer
yourself to be blindfolded."
10 this the mason made no objection; 50,
beirg hoodwinked, he was led by the priest
through various laxes and winding passages
until they stopped before the portal Of a
house.
The priest then applied key, turned 4
creaking lock and opened ponderous
door, They entered, the door was closed
and boted, and the mason was conducted
through an echoing corridor, and q spacious
hall, to the interior Of the building. Here
the bandagc was removed from his eyes, aud
he found himself in pa1io, or court, dimly
lighted by single lamp In the centre was
the dry basin of an old Moorish fountain,
under which the priest requested him to
form a small vault bricks and mortar being
at hand for the purpose. He accordingly
worked all night, but without finishing the
job. Just before day-break the priest put a
piece Of gold into his hard, and having again
blind. folded him, conducted him back to hi,
dwelling.
aAre you wiling" said he, 4" to return and
complete your work.
"Gladly, Senior Padre-proviaed am SO
well paid"
swell, then, tomorrow, at midnight,
will call again.
He did so-and the vault WAS completed.
"Now,'' said Tic priest, "you must help
me to bring forth these bodies that are to be
buried in this vault.
The masou's hair rose on his head at these
words he followed the priest with trembling
steps into retired chamber of the mansion
expecting to behold some ghastly spectacle of
death, but was relieved on seeing three or
four portly jars standing III one corner. They
were evidently full of money, and it was
with great labor that he and the priest car
ried them forth and consigned them to their
tomb. The vault vas then closed, the pave
ment replaced, and all traces of work oblt-
Grated. The mason was again hoodwinked
and led forth by route different from that
by which he had come. After they Lad wan
dercd for long time through perplexed
maze of lanes and alleys, they halted. The
priest then put two pieces of gold into his
hand
"Wait here" said he, "until you hear
the catheHral bell toll for mathis. ii you
presume to uncover your eyes before tha.
time, evil will bclal you;' so saying he de-
parted.
Tie mason waited faithfully, anu ing him,
Self by weighing the gold pieces in his hand,
and chinkns them against each other. The
moment the cathedral bell ruug its Ilatin
peal be uncovered himself and found him.
self on the banks of The Xenl, from where
he made the best of his way home, aud re-
veled with his family for whole fortnight
On the profits of his two nights wolk after
which he was as poor as ever.
He continued to work little and pray
good deal, and keep Saints days and holy
days, from. year to year, while his family
grew up as gaunt and rabid as crew of
piusics. As he was seated one evening at
the door OF IN, hovel he was accosted by o
rich old curmudgeon who was not'd ior OWL
inp a great many houses, and being gripping
landlord. The man of money eyed him for o