The Canton mail. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 18??-1882, 1875-04-10
VOLUME X.

&OTRt III ttIC Hills OCAlnu, duo tut NJ
man tower rose above this, while tn
other parts of the extensive castle la
further from it. CASTOR Walked to th
verge and looked down. The porte
had told him not to venture there-tha
the people in the castle we're afraid o
the COLLINS who dwell there. But Gas
ton despised the idle tale.
Goblins-ha hal What strang
mind the marquis must have not to se
that these mysterious robbers are tn,
COLLINS and the mskers of all this riot
But must descend and examine here.
He went down slowly and softl,
among the bushes which grew thicklJ
enough to hide him from view. A
length he was surprised to see a beaten
path.
cha" he cried. "this was never
/. made by COLLINS. will follow and see
where it leads" #s
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
sudden turn around o 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 a 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.
CHOW 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 came path, and soon
stood in safety upon the top of the
declivity, well satisfied with his expe-
dition.
We'll, Gsston," said the marquis,
at night, "are you still determined ?"
ct am, I ask only my arms. Can
have the way shown me?"
"Once more. CASTOR, let me. implore
you not to CO."
81 must go, noble marquis, for I
have said il"
"Retract your words"
"I cannot-I would not"
"Then / must part with you. I fear
I shall never see you again. will &C
company you to the place."
The two walked along 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. @ 3
"Ah here we are suppose"
They paused before massive oaken
door, which the marquis opened after
unlocking. The bolts sounded harsh
as they CRATE 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 60 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. I will 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 hoHrs passed tediously away, yet |
he sat in patient silence listening to |
every sound. Aud these we're 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 futtered.
There was faint light in the room.
As CASTOR looked through, there seemed /
-, hi oh ay 1ivhf 10
of it. A strange thrill shot through |
him as the room began to grow visible, |
illuminated by some unseen power.
Footsteps-low, muffled footsteps,
sounded without whisperings
and exclamations were heard by his ex
cited ear,. His heart beat quick-he
held his sword more firmly.
"The hour is coming-the time-the
scene is at hand. Now shall we see
whether CASTOR de Portable will die"
He leaned forward more earnestly. |
At the extremity of the read he heard
whisperings murmurings footsteps,
but be could not look there. The light
grew brighter. Some form approached.
CASTOR looked out.
It was q tall figure dressed in black,
and through two holes in the wall which
covered its head, the eyes cleaned with
intense brightness. He came to the
table and sat down. 1t was dressed in
the same manner. Two others came
in, and the four sat down at the table,
"Wine," said the first, In deepj
harsh voice. II
One arose and brought number of
bottles. Then each one, lifting his
vail, drank in silence. CASTOR watched
in suspense.
Comrades" said the first one, "the
bishop has much gold. To morrow the
marquis shall give more"
A low murmur of applause went
round. 1
"He would have been unmolessed I
had he refrained from molesting u.s."
"Ha hat" said another, in a dis
cordant voice. "He thought not of
!" The Golden Tower" $50
What viii he not pay for her ran
CASTOR started.
Sand the young knight-would he
not give his eoul to purchase her?"
"Margo," eaid the leader, "bripg
her along"
Mango departed. and the others be.
gan TO divest themselves Of their man
ties. Each one, taking off his black
robe, disclosed the well-srmed figure of
a sturdy soldier.
al heard footsteps here this night"
said one. INLAY there not be true
goblin"
"Fool !" cried the leader, savagely.
"You are novice. A goblin We
are the COLLINS of the tower, Antonio.
Hal What breath is that?"
"Isaid so !" cried the other.
The three started at rattlipg sound
ed in the room. They looked at each
other and turned pale. The entrance
Of their comrade put an end to their
terror.
Bring her along" cried the leader.
CASTOR could see nothing, but he
heard a low moan as though from fe-
male, and the tone struck a chill to his
inmOst soul.
GOOD cen. my pretty maid" said
the leader. Bring her nearer, good