The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-05-07
THE GOBLIN TOWER.


81 am glad you have come here" said
the Marquis Of Boltono to the young
knight, CASTOR de Portable, as they sal
upon the terrace of Boltono Castle. 81
am glad you have come for many reasons
especially because love the company
OF young and valiant soldier"
CASTOR bowed, and flush Of pleasure
passed across his brow.
"The robbers about here are very bold.
| just now. They attacked you, believe.''
"Three of the villains yentured to dc
80, but sent them away with more than
| they expected"
"They rob almost every friend who
comes to visit me, unless l send my sol.
diers to guard them," said Boltono bit.
terly.
''This should be stopped. 1 wonder
that they do not show themselves some
| where"
81 have done all that man can do
Let us forsake this subject Tor the pres
| ent. See you yon tower?"
"Yes. tits older than the rest of your
castle, is it not? have been much in.
terested in it,"
SIT is very old and OF Roman construc-
ton. We never use it,"
| 'N6fcTI why uOtI"
"'Tis haunted"
the seriousness of the Marquis, and out
of respect to him, he suppressed ris.
ing smile of contempt.
"Yes. 1t has for many years gone by
the name of The Goblin Tower.'H
"Why soW
"Because there are sights to be seen
there and sounds to be heard which are
not Of this world. Shrieks are heard at
the dead of night and lights CLEAN from
the turrets. All the peasantry trembIe,
and the hearts of all within the castle
quake tor fear"
"But have you never entered to see
the cause of these thingsP"
"God forbid that should seek to know
aught of the doings OF the powers OF
darkness"
"They may be done by hands of men,
noble Marquis"
"Impossible! Who would darep
"Noble sir, you have promised to make
me your son-in-law," said CASTOR, with
his ingenious countenance covered by a
flush of pleasure and confusion, ssbnt
have done nothing to win the lovely AL
yira. Suffer me to win her in this way"
"What!" cried the Marquis. .
81 am willing to enter that tower"
"No, no; you are rash. This is not
bravery, it is rashness. You have done
enough, my dear Castor, to win dozen
Alviras."
"But let me also do this, Noble Mar
quis. can not, must not be refused.
Why need I fear9 Are not friends ali
around usW
s'Your friends can not preserve you
from the demons"
"DemonsI l fear them not. With my
trust in God and the Holy Saints, how
can the Evil One injure mep
~ implore you not to think of this"
"No, no; permit me. Do not tell AL
vira. Promise me not to tell her. will
free your house of demons and robbers,
or die"
The Marquis gave reluctant con-
sent.
~ fear shall never see you again. /
will accompany you to the place."
The two walked along a desolate hall
extending entirely through the Castle.
III viii 60 into yon cl6set and watch
the room. + can be hidden there"
"Do so. Do not expose yourself. Do
you want the lightW
"No-oh, no. 1 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 1T in his hand, pre-.
pared to watch.
An old chest stood here in one corner;
upon this he seated himself and waited
There was faint light in the room.
As CASTOR looked through, there SCENE d
to come brighter light. He was sure
of it. A strange thrill shot through him
as the room began to grow visible, illu-
| minated by some unseen power. Foot,
steps-loW, muffied footsteps-sounded
| acknowledgements; whisperings and eX,
clamations were heard by his excited
ears. His heart beat quick-he held his
sword more firmly.
"The hour is coming-the time-the
scene is at hand Now we shall see
\ whether Castor de Portable will die"
He leaned forward more earnestly. Al
the extremity OF the road he heard whis'
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES, but he
brighter. Some form approached. Gas
| ton looked out. I.
It, was tall figure dressed in black
and through two holes in the wall which
covered its head the eyes cleaned will
intense brightness. He came TO Che ia
BILE and sat down. It was dressed ii
the same manner. Two others came il
| in, and the four sat down at the table.
aWineW said the first in deep, harsl
voice.
One arose and brought number Q
bottles. Then each one, lifting his veil
drank in silence. CASTOR watched Ii
suspense.
"Comrades," said the first one, 9Th
Bishop, has much gold. Tomorrow th
Marquis shall give more."
| A low murmur Of applause wen
lround.
ale would have been unmolested, ha
he refrained from rnolesting us"
1 "Hal hap said another, tn q discor
dant voice. "He thought not Of 9Th
Cabin ToWar,O