The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1875-04-09


Alviras."
"But let me also do this. Nobl
marquis, cannot must not be refused
Why need fear? Are not friends al
around me?"
"Your friends cannot preserve yo1
from the demons"
demons I fear them not. Witt
my trust in God and the holy saints
how can the evil one iniure me?'
O. implore you not to think of this.
"No, no, permit me. Do not tel
Alvlra. Promise me not to tell her.
will free your house of demons and rob
bers or die"
The marquis gave reluctant con
sent.
1t was mid, day, and CASTOR walked
outside the castle. There was a deer
gorge in the hills behind, and the Ro
man tower rose above this, while the
| other parts of the extensive castle lay
further from it. CASTOR walkod to the
verge and looked down. The porter
had told him not to venture there-that
the people in the castle were afraid OF
the goblins who dwell there. But Cas-
ton despised the idle tale.
"Goblins-ha hal What strange
mind the marquis must have not to see
that these mysterious robbers are the
goblins and the makers of all this riot.
But must descend and examine here. :"
He went down slowly and softly
among the bushes which grew thickly
enough to hide him from view. At
length he was surprised to see beaten
path.
"Har he cried, "this was never
made by goblins. will follow and see
where it leads
He descended carefully, and watched
the path to see that none were viewing
him. at last he was at the bottom Of
the chasm. The path before him took
a sudden turn around rock. Leaning
stealthly over this, he looked forward.
There was the base of the goblin tower,
which arose very far on high, from it's
foundations at the bottom of the chasm.
There was small aperture here, so hid
den by bushes that none but the sharp
est and most observant eye could have
detected it. He went nearer, and hear
ing nothing, he crawled close to it.
Looking in he saw steps which led up.
"Now were this unused, the steps
would be covered with grass and mould,
but they are smooth and are used often"
After few minutes the young knight
departed by the same path, and soon
stood in safety upon the top of the
'oclivity, well satisfied with his expe-
5ition.
Well, Gaston," said the marquis,
1t night, "are you still determined 2''
am, | ask only my arms. Can I
nave the way shown me ?"
"Once more, CASTOR, let me. e..implore
1ou not to go"
"I must go, noble marquis, for I
lave said it. =
"Retract your words"
i cannot-I would not"
"Then must part with you. I fear
shall never see you again. I will ac-
you to the place"
The two walked along desolate hall |
entirely through the castle. |
The night was dark and the wind moan
ID as they went on. Doors banged and |
loises were heard through the house.
"Those noises do not come from the |
over. They are made by the wind |
aid CASTOR.
All !! here we are I suppose"
They paused before massive oaken
Loor, which the marquis opened after
Unlocking. The bolts sounded harsh
8 they grated back. They entered the
oom. The light which the marquis
eld was feeble, and Illuminated it but
y part. The apartment was large, and
he walls were wainscoted with oak,
aryed in the antique. Chairs of olden
orm stood around, and long table of
1assive construction stood in the mid
lie.
I will go into your closet and watch
he room. I can be hidden there"
DO SO. Do not expose yourself.
10 you want the light p
No-Oh no. Twill be better in the
ark"
He opened the door of an old closet.
! was empty. There was an opening
/ it, through which any one within
ould look out into the room. Here
aston entered. The marquis departed,
'cking the door carefully. CASTOR
rev bis sword, and, holding it in his
and, prepared to watch. Fl
An old chair stood here in one corner:
pom this he seatt q himself and waited. !
he hoArs passed tediously away, yet i
} sat in patient silence listening to
Eery sound. Aud these were of many
nds, which came TO his sharpened | !
ire. Low meanings sounded without,
o doors, loosened by age, ratified on :
eir hinges, the heavy, dusty drapery
look and futtered.
There was faint light in the room. {
> CASTOR looked through, there seemed q
come a brighter light. He was sure '
it. A strange thrill shot through a
M as the room began to grow visible,
by some unseen power. {
Dotsteps-low muf1ed footsteps, 9
unded withOut--beneath, Whisperings /
ID ordinations were heard by his ex \
ted ears. His heart beat quick-he III
Id his sword more firmly. /
+" The hour is coming-the time-the t
enc is at hand Now shall we see
neither CASTOR de Portable will die. "
He leaned forward more earnestly. {
the extremity of the road he heard y
murmurings ~ footsteps, Y
1t be could not look there. The light a
eW brighter. Some form approached. a
aston looked out. q
It was tall figure dressed in black, Y
d through two holes in the wall which d
vered its head, the eyes cleaned with I
tense brightness. He came to the G
Dle and sat down. It was dressed In a
9 same manner. Two others came 8
and the four sat down at the table. 8
9 Vine" said the first, IN q deep n
rsh voice. g
One arose and brought number OF 4
titles. Then each one, lifting his t,