The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-02-12
Trlcking tho DovIl.

The people of an Austrian town prayed
the abbot of Einiedln to build them G
bridge, and he advertised for builder. A
number answered the advertisement, but
when they saw how the Reuss roarcd and
loaned 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, wcll-knowl,
III the country as clever mil-wright. The
tall man asked the young man. who gave
his name as Christian, If he was the
afchltcct. The answer was that he had
ohly Dullt mlll-dams, as yet, and he had
studied the project for two days, but
could make nothing of it. The tall man
In black assured him he could make sue
cess, as hc would throw all arch simply
across the torrent and that he would finish
1t III one evening"
"Ah?" said Christian, laughing, "why
you must be the DEVIL"
'At your SERVICE" he answered politely.
NOW, if you would like the credit, will
10 the work for the consideration that you
sign contract giving me your soul"
a cold chill ran over Christian, and hu
was just going to commence his papers
when young peasant girl passed along
the montain, singing melodiousair. The
poor fellow thought of the blue eyed mai
den at home, and thinking the other man
was some architect amusing himself with
his country simplicity, half-afraid, half
laughing, he signed the contract in full.
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 it as architect. tic fastened
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 saluting him said
Abbot, you have piece of my prop
erty here"
"iush!" was the reply; "dont wakcn
tho young man; let us talk the matter over.
Come in"
The devil glanced into the room and saw
nothing but an old woman, and in bed at
tho other end a form which he recognized
for the young millwright's by his clothes.
On taking scat by invitation lie noticed n
chess~hoard OH the table and he asked the
Abbot if he played.
"a little" said the Abbot; "but it ia
not worth speaking Of. The chief matter
ls you cannot have that yvungslcr"
"Oh, said the devil, eve will see about
that. The contract Is in perfectly good
condition."
cit is little I care about that" said the
Abbot. ''But the scandal of the thing;
and you know that if set myself to work
you'll have tongh time of it."
"Be reasonable, now," said the tall man.
'1ll pay you for him"
"Two souls from my parishes" said the
Abbot, thoughtfuly; OTIS too much"
"Two2 Who thcn2' cried Satan.
Abbot Gerald pointed at the old woman.
"Ah," thought the other, 81 did not
know that had claims upon her. But l
90 not mind her much, and always get one
game out of two" He then added aloud,
'l'll play for both, and that's fair"
"Wcll, l don like 10 be hard," said Alb
BOT Gerald, "Iagrcc; but it's dry business
playing chess"
The Abbot called tho old woman and Or
dered her to sit III chair by the stove.
III Is your first move, and we play for
this one first"
"Aftcr you,' said the devil politely.
"By no means, / am at home" said Ger
So the devil took the move, and after a
pretty tough game the Abbot chockmatod
him completely.
"You are strong at chess, Abbot Gerald
j u
pointed to the old woman.
so you give up all claim, now and for
eyer2"
''Oh, honor bright Would you have
me cheat you after so much politencss2 |
yield every inch. But now for the herr
81 am tired" said Abbot Gerald; 81
think that we will not play any further.
III give you the other--only take him
quietly"
''You are very courteous" said the devil,
as he walked to the bed and tapped the
sleeper as lie breathed heavily.
"Iumphl" said the sleeper.
That's not the best of good manners,
said the other; ''get up when bid youl"
and he pulled away the clothes.
The sleeper was great pig, with the
millwright's clothes ranged about it; and as
Satan turned round, he 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
l'll batter your bridge again"
''rry it," said Abbot Gerald laughing
heartily, as the other few out banging the
door in his rage
The devil got half way to 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 80 that Abbot Gerald tricscd the
dovii.