The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-08-18
gelett STORY,
THE MAN IN POSSESSION.
From Chambci,S' JOMmdt.

CHAPTER l..
There are many ups and downs i'll some
lives far more than are usually dreamed
or by the few who ''born with silver
spoon in their mouth, pursue the even
tenor Of their path, umutfied by the cares
and ahlictions which crowd upon, and too
often oyerwhelm, the less fortunate. Hard
as it is to grapple with and bear the trou
bles which are inevitable to us in the ordi-
Dary course of nature, those we induce by
our own indiscretion and folly are still
more calling. | am afraid my case must
rank among the latter, as you shall pres
entity hear
will not infict upon you my antece-
dents; sufficient to state that [ am the son
of a gentleman, in good though not in
opulent circumstances. My father gave
me an excellent education, and afterwards
fair start in life by articling me to a
neighboring solicitor. might have done
WE'LL for | liked the profession, and was an
apt pupil; but, unfortunately-as is the
case with too many intellectual young men
i fell into evil company. 1t is unneces-
sary to enumerate the steps, from bad to
worse, which gradually led to my undoing
eventually | so far disgraced myself that
my indentures were cancelled. Ashamed
to meet my father, [ went out into the
world an outcast, with scarcely shilling
mmy pocket. Failing other employment,
was at last compelled-though bitterly
repugnant to my feelings-to accept the
humble occupation Of a common bailiff !;
and here my narrative begins.
Meredith" said my chief to me one
bright May morning, when | waited upon
him for Instructions, II wish you to run
down to Britelcigh in the matter of War
ley against Wintock, and take possession
in the usual manner. You will be more
than ordinary careful, as we have to do
with very subtle customer. Jones has
aIready y been down in the neighborhood,
but has returned unsuccessful and quite
dEheartened | hope, however, you will
have better luck. When once within the
premises You had better sleep with one
eye open, or not at all, if you can so man.
age it.
Now, | rather prided myself upon my
Professional dexterity, and this my en-
PlOyer knew; but it would have been child
sh to boast before him. / therefore
smiled, but said nothing. Some other di
retons followed, Of no Importance to my
tale; and after packing a few necessaries in
carpet-bag, | started for Briteleigh. 1t
vas the dusk of evening when [ arrived at
my destination; and | forthwith proceeded
70 reconnoltre the premises in which | was
ior time to domicile as the humble rep
nsentatlve of the majesty of the law,
and take under my surveillance the goods,
ehattels, etc, of Arthur Wintock, Esq,
until either the just claims of Marley War
ley, Esq, of Marley Hall, should be fully
and duly satisfied, together with all legal
expenses incurred; or the said goods, chat
IeIs, etc, should be publicly brought to the
hammer.
On my arrival at the village of Brite-
,clgh, went at once to have sight of the
HOuse lntrusted to me. Briteleigh Hall
was large, gloomy, old-fashioned building
VI the preceding century, and at some dis
ance from the high-road, and in the cen
ue OF park of considerable extent. The
ulSlnal editce seemed to have been added
"at different periods, for the superstructure
IOSe s, IN motley succession of triangular
saoled ends from the outhouses to the
principal roof, which, surrounded by par
sPe', and crowned with enormous stacks of
+ll st G;hlmney-pots, capped the whole. 1t
s. s~pck me at the first glance that however
IIiOnsly bolted and barred below, it would
"s ss5 easy for any burglar to scale the height
m0 nau eject an entrance by one of the enor-
~OuS garret easements which fronted the
paaPet unless the same were strongly Sc
ou! ou.ea' However, as 1 had no thought of
.a a;;eflns the house by this way myself, and
II " !, was too late to effect an entrance at
sn1 n 'nat evening, [ returned to the village,
S suu walked into the Three Nags, COM
r,5 ,Oi'aOe roadside inn, about hundred
fpsS ~ from the park gates. [ entered the
~a ~s snug bar-parlor and seated myself. 1t
o,E rdS occupied only by the landlord and two
T TTuer persons, tradesmen of the village.
anI n1 s 5nree were quietly slipping their glasses
a api having friendly chat.
Do.:. fine evening, sir" said mine host, as,
ra" nouelng that was a stranger, he saluted me
tsIp ts5Ipessatfuly. ct "What will you please to
NAC!
O., VI, little rum-and-water, if you please.
'n cd nave bed here tonight, landlord?"
no;Dy all means, sir second floor back.
'U.qg .4 to stay long, sir?"
a.n nun That depends upon circum-
ots Srao 5 AT any rate, I may require it for
~ ~Te1 Tr iour nights at least
e., . ielt disposed to secure night-lodging
ma.s ! sumo time, for in our line we are by no
IL 'o!is oIs sure when or how we shall be able
W. Ou'aln y" access to the premises of which
NJ, ,e 70 take temporary possession
k,S entrance and the hustle of the land
ht hp a lIao Interrupted the talk for while;
a NJ. al'er 4 a few commonplace remarks, such
do~s Usually pass between strangers, / settled
ths w ! quietly to my rum-and- water, and
NOlNel2afl0n