The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1875-04-16
THE DEVILS HOLLOW.


In certain Northern town, situated
on the banks of river, there dwelt,
some years ago, an attorney by the name
of Mason. He 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 sIlllen In temper; but in busi-
ness, shrewd, active and persevering.
Mansen, although assiduous in his du-
ties, was of gayer temperament. open
as the day, generous, confding and true.
Mr.. Mason, without being absolutely
dishonest, was what Is called 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 delicate mat
ters which sometimes occur in an attor-
ney's business, and in which the hon
esty of NIansen might rather hinder than
help.
Mr.. Mason had a 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
a sy1ph, and the step of fawn. It was
natural that such girl should be an OBJ
1ect 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 love with her: and
both of them did. But as the young
lady had but one heart, she could not re-
tain the love of each. In making her Sc
lection, the choice fell upon Edward Man
sell, greatly to the chagrin of his rival,
and to the annoyance of Mr.. Mason, who
YN1n 20 &,,5
the favorite suitor. However, Mansen
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; a great deal of bitterness and ran
cor being displayed by Mason and Bur
ton on the one hand, while Kate and Ed
ward ManseH found in the interview they
occasionally enjoyed, more than compen-
satlon for the annoyance to which they
were thus necessarily exposed.
1t happened, at the time when Edward s
engagement as an artieled clerk was
within q month of its expiration, that
Mason had received sum of money as
agent for another party, amounting to
7sEhe 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 nf which was always in the Gus
tody of Mansen. Soon after he received
the charge, Burton quilted the Office for
q short time; and in the interim an APP
plication from client rendered it neces-
saIy for ManseH to go out TO get some
Bill-stamps. Having dispatched his bust
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
ecwased that the treasure was gone.
l7s rushed down stairs, and, meeting
Burton, communicated, the unfortunate
circumstance. He, in turn, expressed
his astonishment in strong terms, and,
indeed, exhibited something like sympa-
thy in his bfother clerks misfortune.
Every search was made about the prem
ises, and information was given TO the
local police but as Mason was from
home, and would not return till the next
day, little else could be done. Edward
passed night of intense agony-nor
were the feelings of Kate more enviable.
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,
from attending to his duties, was walk
ing, ignorant of Mason's return, when
Kate came, or rather few toward him,
and exclaimed, Sc Oh, Edward, my uncle
1las 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. / have not time to
explain fly Instantly, and meet me ut
n1ghtfall IN the Devils Hollow, when I
viii explain ALL
ManseH, scarcely knowing what he did,
rushed out Of the garden, and through
some fields nor did he stop I'LL he found
himself out of town ON the banks az the
river. Then, for the first tirne. he re-
pented Of having listened TO the well
meant but unwise counsel of his dear Kate.
But the step was taken. and he could moi
retrace It now. He proceeded until he
arrived Ct thick grove, In the vicinity oi
the Deyns Hollow, where he isY com.
plegely md, until night closed upon him.
He then approached dark opening n
which there was deep hollow. which had
acquired q celebrity from its hayino lleeT
the scene OF murder some wears l,a
fore, and was such an object af snr,ar.
-ssitious awe TO the farmers al the viI1ifv
that he was considered o bold mar, yzl,f
-wouId venture there after nighffau. This
doubtless, had influenced Kate IN he Ia
choice of such place OF meeting. mas
much as they would be secure from inter
1uption.
Mansell returned, and fingered on iii
ssh1rka of the grove, until the sound of
1in4k footstep on the beaten path whic
lea to the place announced the approae
sof the loved being whom he felt ne WI