The true northerner., 1875-03-05
THE DEVILS HOLLOW.


on the banks of a river, there dwelt,
some years ago, an attorney by the name
of Mason. be was in considerable
practice, and had two clerks in his Office,
whose names were Mansell and Burton.
In ability these young men were nearly
on par, but they differed widely in dis
position. Burton was cold, close and
somewhat sllllen in temper; but in bust
ness, shrewd, active and persevering.
Mansell, although assiduous in his du-
ties, was of gayer temperament, open
as the day, generous, contiding and true.
Mr.. Mason, without being absolutely
dishonest, was what is called n keen law
yer, his practice being somewhat of the
sharpest and as the disposition of his
clerk, Burton, assimilated in many re-
spects to his own, he was a great favorite
more intimately in his confidence, and
usually employed on those delicdte mat
ters which sometimes occur in an attor-
ney's business, and in which the hon
esty of Mansell might rather hinder than
help.
Mr.. Mason had niece, who, he being
a bachelor, lived with him in the capacity
OfhOusekeeper She wasa lively, sensitive
and clever girl-very pretty, if not posi-
lively handsome She had the grace of
n sylph, and the step of fawn 1t was
natural that such girl should be an OBJ
ject of interest to two young men living
under the same roof; and by no means
matter of astonishment that one or both
of them should fall in lovew with her: and
both of them did. But as the young
lady had but one heart, she could not re-
k,,,, r. IL, T., i I
lection, the choice fell upon Edward Man
sell, greatly 20 the chagrin of his rival,
and to the annoyance of Mr. Mason, who
would have been pleased to find Burton
the favorite srlitor. However, Mansell
was chosen lover, and Mr.. Mason could
not alter the case by argument nor was
he disposed to send away his niece, who
was, IN some measure, essential to
his domestic comfort and more
over, he loved her as much as he loved
anything.
Matters went on this way for some
time F; a great deal of bitterness and ran
cor being displayed by Mason and Bur-
ton ON the one hand, while Kate and Ed
ward Mansell found in the interview they
occasionally enjoyed, more than compen-
satlon for the annoyance to which they
We're thus necessarily exposed.
1t happened, at the time when Edwards
engagement as an articled clerk was
within a month of its expiration. that
Mason had received sum of money as
agent for another party, amounting to
nearly three<housand pounds, of which
the greater portion was gold coin. AS
the money could not be conveniently dis
posed Of until the following day, it was
deposited in tin box in the iron safe,
the key of which was always in the Gus
tody of Mansell. Soon after he received
the charge, Burton quilted the office for
short time; and in the interim an ap-
phcatlOn from n client rendered it neces-
sary for Mansell TO go out to get some
bill-stamps. Having dispatched his busi-
ness, he returned with all expedition
and in due time he took the key of his
safe to deposit therein, as usual the
valuable papers of the office over night
when TO his inconceivable horror, he dis
covered that the treasure was gone.
He rushed down stairs, and, meeting
Burton, communicated, the unfortunate
circumstance. He, in turn, expressed
his establishment in strong terms, and, I
indeed, exhibited something like sympa-
thy in his brother clerks misfortune. I
Every search was made about the prem I
ises, and information was given TO the \
local police but as Mason was from I
home, and would not return till the next I
day, little else could be done. Edward /
passed n night of intense agony-nor I
were the feelings of Kate more enviable. I
Mr.. Mason returned some hours earlier \
than was expected, and sent Immediately !
for Burton, and was closeted with him
for long time.
Mansell, utterly incapacitated by the
terrible calamity which had befallen him, 7
from attending to his duties, was walk
ing, ignorant of Mason's return, when
Kate came, or rather flew toward him.
and exclaimed, "Oh, Edward, my uncle I
has applied for warrant TO apprehend <
YOU and, innocent though know you
are, that fiend in human form, Burton,
has wound such web around you, that
/ dread the worst L have not time to
explain ; hy instantly, and meet me at
nightfall in the Devils Hollow, when ]
will explain all. .a on
Mansell, scarcely knowing what he did,
rushed ont of the garden, and through
some fields nor did he stop till he found
himself out of town on the banks of the
river. Then, for the first time, he re- !
pented of having listened to the we'll
meant but rmwise counsel of his dear Kate.
But the step was taken, and, ,he could not
retraee it now. He proceeded until, het
arrived at thick grove, in the vicinity of
the Devils Hollow, where he lay COM
pletely hid, until night closed upon him.
He then approached a dark opening in
which there was deep hollow, which had
acquired a celebrity from its having been
the scene of murder some years be-
fore. and was such an object of super
stitious awe TO the farmers of the vinity,
that he was considered bold man who
would venture there after nightfall. This,