West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1880-01-24
Tricking the DeviI.

The people OF an Austrian town prayed
the abbot of Einiedhn 10 build them a
bridge, and he advertised FOR a builder. 4
number answered the advertisement, but
when they saw how the ReusS rnared and
iuamed over the rocks. they shook their
heads and departed Only two remained:
one was tall, handsome man in black and
The other poor young fellow, wen-knowu
M the country rs a clever mill-wright. The
tall man asked the Young man. who gave
ms name as Christian, il hc was the
architect. The answer was that he had
only built mill-dams, ~ yet and he had
studied the project for two DAYS, but
could make nothing of it. The tall man
IN black assured hum he could make sue
cess, as lac would throw an arch simply
across the torrent and that he would finish
1t IN one evening.
"Ahf' said Christian, laughing. ''why
you must be the devil!"
AT your service he answered politely.
Now, If you would like the credit, | will
do the work for the consideration that YOU
sign contract giving me your soul.
"A cold chill ran over Christian, and ne
was just going 10 commence his papers
when young peasant girl passed along
the montain, singing mclodiousair. The
poor fellow thought Of the blue eyed mai
den at home, and thinking the other man
was some architect amusing himself with
ms country simplicity hslfairad, half
laughing, he signed the contract in fun.
Christian went to the cove below and
passed the night. To his infinite horror
he saw the bridge was built and his own
name on 1t as architect lie hastencd
to Abbot Gerald and besought his assist
ance' who promised TO do what he could
Soon after the tall man in black appeared
at the monks house, and s0luting mm said:
Abbot you have piece of my prop
erty here
"lIush'" was the reply; "don't waken
the young man; let us talk the matter over
Come in.
The devil glanced into the room aud saw
nothing but an old woman, and in bed at
the other end form which he recognized
Tor the young millwright's by his clo,hes
On taking scat by invitation he noticed a
chess board on the table and hc asked the
Abbot If he played.
"A little, said the Abbot "but it is
not worth speaking Of. The chief matter
YOU cannot have that youngstcr."
'Oh, said the devil, I'VE will see about
that. The contract Is in perfectly good
condition"
''lt is little ! care about that" said the
Abbot. But the scandal of the thing.
and you know that if | set myself to work
youIl have tongh time of it,"
BE reasonable, now, said the tall man.
III pay you for him ~
Two souls from my parishes, said the
Abbot, thoughtfully; "Gt's too much.
'lwof Who thenI' cried Satan.
Abbot Gerald pointed at the old woman.
"Ah, thought. the other, IL did not
know that had claims upon her. But
do not mind her much, and always get one
game out OF two lie then added aloud
"l'll play for both, and that's fair"
''Well, don like TO be hard, " said Alb
bot Gerald, ~ agree; but it's dry business
playing chess
The Abbot called the old woman and or
dered her to sit in chair by the stove.
1T is your first move, and we play for
this one first
"After you, said the devil politely.
by no means, am at home said Ger
aid.
SO the devil took the move, and after
pretty tough game the Abbot chockmated
him completely.
you are strong at chess Abbot Gerald
you have won that one there, " and he
pointed to the old woman.
so you give up all claim, now and for
ever2"
''Oh, honor bright Would you have
me cheat you after 80 much politeness?
yield every inch But now for the o her.
81 am tired, said Abbot Gerald; 81
think that we will not play any further.
I'll give you the other-only take him
quietly"
ou are very courteous. said the devil,
as hc walked to the bed ard tapped the
sleeper as he breathed heavily.
'Humph!" said the sleeper
That's not the best Of good manncrs, "
said the other; ''get up when ] bid you!"
and he pulled away the clothes.
The sleeper was a great pig, with the
millwrights clothes ranged about il; and ne
Satan turned round, hc saw the old won
an stripped Of her mask, and there was
Christian, pale enough but smiling
THAT s shabby trick you have played
me, Abbot Gerald, said the devil, "but
III batter your bridge again"
"Iry it,, said Abbot Gerald laughing
heartily as the other few out banging the
door in his rage.
The devil got halfway 10 the place,
when he met the procession returning.
They had blessed the bridge while the
game Of chess lasted, and he had no more
power over IT,
1t was so that Abbot Gerald tricked the
devil