The herald and mail. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1873-188?, 1875-04-09


the chasm. The path before him tool
a sudden turn around a roek. Leanin,
Stealthly over this, he looked forward
There was the base of the goblin tower
which arose very far on high, from it
foundations at the bottom of the chasm
There was small aperture here, 80 hid
den by bushes that none but the sharp
est and most obserEant eye could have
detected it. He went nearer, aud hear
ing nothing, he erawled close to it
Looking in he saw steps which led up
Now were this unused, the step:
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 soor
stood in safety upon the top of the
declivity, well satisfied with his expe.
dition.
Well, Gaston," said the marquis,
at night, care you still determined p
81 am, I ask only my arms. Can
have the way shown me?"
"Once more, CASTOR, let me. .implore
you not to go.
'I must go, noble marquis, for /
have said it.
"Retract your words"
[ cannot-I would not"
Then I must part with you. I fear
[ shall never see you again. I will ae-
company you to the place"
The two walked along a desolate hall
extending entirely through the castle.
The night was dark and the wind moan
ed as they went on. Doors banged and
noises were heard through the house.
"Those noises do not come from the
tower. They are made by the wind
said CASTOR.
All here we are suppose"
They paused before q massive oaken
door, which the marquis opened after
unlocking. The bolts sounded harsh
as they grated back. They entered the
room. The light which the marquis
held was feeble, and Illuminated it but
in part. The apartment was large, and
the walls were wainscoted with oak,
carved in the antique. Chairs of olden
form stood around, and long table of
massive construction stood in the mid
die.
81 will go into your closet and watch
the room. I can be hidden there"
"Do so. Do not expose yourself.
Do you want the light ?"
"No-Oh no. Twill be better in the
dark"
He opened the door of an old closet
1t was empty. There was an opening
in it, through which any one within
could look out into the room. Here
CASTOR entered. The marquis departed,
locking the door carefully. CASTOR
drew his sword, and, holding it in his
hand, prepared to watch.
An old chair stood here in one corner;
upon this he seated himself and waited.
The hours passed tediously away, yet
he sat in patient silence listening to
every sound. And these were of many
kinds, which came to his sharpened
ears. Low meanings sounded without,
the doors, loosened by age, ratified on
their hinges, the heavy, dusty drapery
shook and 6dttered.
There was faint light in the room.
AS CASTOR looked through, there seemed
to come a brighter light. He was sure
Of it. A strange thrill shot through
him as the room began to grow visible,
Illuminated by some unseen power.
muffled footsteps,
acknowledgements, whisperings
and exclamatiOns were heard by his ex
cited ears. His heart beat quick-he
held his sword more fcmiy.
'The hour is coming-the time-the
scene is at hand. Now shall We see
CASTOR de Portable will die" "
He leaned forward more earnestly.
At the extremity of the read he heard
- murmurings footsteps,
but he could not look there. The light
GA,,,a form ~ nr1FNT.noahaI
CASTOR looked out.
1t was tall figure dressed in black,
md through two holes in the wall which
covered its head, the eyes cleaned with
intense brightness. He came to the
able and sat down. It was dressed in
he same manner. Two others came
n, and the four sat down at the table.
"Wine," said the first, IN a deep
larsh voice.
One arose and brought a number of
,ottles. Then each one, lifting his
all, drank in silence. CASTOR watched
N suspense.
Comrades" said the first one, "the
bishop has much gold. To morrow the
marquis shall give more"
A low murmur of applause went
ound.
=" He would have been unmolested
lad he refrained from molesting u.s."
cha har' said another, in a dis
,ordant voice. He thought not of
6 The Golden Tower"
"What will he not pay for her ran
,om %
CASTOR started.
"Aud the young knight-would he
lot give his soul to purchase her %
"Margo," said the leader, bring
Ter along.
Margo departed. and the others be-
yan to divest themselves of their man
les. Each one, taking off his black
sturdy soldier.
81 heard footsteps here this night"
aid one. "May there not be a true
goblin"
"Fool - cried the leader, savagely.
9 You are novice. A goblin We
ire the goblins of the tower, Antonio.
Ia What breath is that ?"
:" said sol' cried the other.
The three started at rattling sound
II in the room. They looked at each
,ther and turned pale. The entrance
If their comraGe put an end to their
error.
Bring her along" cried the leader.
CASTOR could see nothing, but he
leard low moan as though from fe-
male. and the tone struck chill to his
nmost soul.
''Good cen, my pretty maid," said
he leader. Bring her nearer, good
Isrgo, let her be seated"
There was a slight struggle and Mar
70 brought forward the prisoner.
Taston started-his frame shook in fren-
lied rage. 1t was Alvira He re-
strained himself.
''Who are you, and why dare yeu thus
ireat the daughter of Bolfono?"
Because we love the smiles of
ovely women. Was it not rash in you
o walk alone on the terrace at such a
.ime? Could we-the goblins of the
;ower-resist the temptation -
"What will you do with nae ?"
"You shall cheer us in our lonely
over"
80, God I" she cried, wringing her
lands in agony.
"No iameptation - cried the leader.
Come, we wish you to be gay cheer
lp."