Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1886-03-25
Au 0rigiual Stprg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
AMOS BARTON.
CHAPTER ".
BY L., ID. OZMOND.

CHAPTER ".
1t was near the hour of twelve, on dark
cloudy November night. The wind, which
had blown stormily all through the day and
afternoon, had partially subsidized, but still
swept in fitful gusts through the almost
deserted streets of the city of San Francisco
A pale moon, struggling with the great
masses of cloud that swept against her like
giant battalions threatening to overwheln
her, now yielded to their adverse force, now
penetrated their gloom with feeble, transi
tory ray of light. BY one of these titful
CLEANS might have been discerned small
cart, drawn by a powerful horse, and oc'
cupied by three figures enveloped in loose
cloaks, proceeding along one of the least
freuuented of the thoroughfares which
lead to the spot known as Lone Mountain
around which are grouped the various Gem
eteries where the city buries its dead.
The occupants of the cart were men, two
of them quite young, their companion o
more advanced age. They talked little as
they drove along; either the nature of the
hour and the atmosphere, or that of the er'
rand on which they were bound, seeming tc
have depressing influence on their spirits
81 half wish was out of this" remarked
one of the two younger in a subdued tone
as they neared the entrance of Laurel Hill
cemetery. The oldest of the three laughed
"Growing nervous, Baker ?" he asked
lightly flicking the horse with his whip.
81 confess that am, though 1 suppose
the admission will draw down your ridicule
upon ne."
"No," rejoined the other, II don't con.
slider you subject for ridicule. Being q
novice, it is quite natural that you should
feel little queer. I used to do so myself
when was young and inexperienced"
"You are tolerably hardened now,
guess" remarked the third of the party
"W ell, yes; it would be surprising if
wasn't. This is about the hundreth time
or the hundred and fiftieth, maybe, thai
I have come on this sort of expedition
1 regard it now merely as pleasure jaunt.'
The young man addressed as Baker shud'
dered slightly, and drew his cloak more
closely about him. Nothing more was
said until they reached the gate; here the
cart stopped, and the party alighted. The
older man, whose name was Drummond
applieda peculiar-looking whistle to his lips
and blew low but distinct note; this he
repeated twice. There was moments
silence, then the signal was answered by a
corresponding whistle.
sIt's all right" remarked Drummond, as
he tied the horse to hitching post. "Come
along, boys. Baker, keep close to me. Jack,
YOU 20 around by the other road and meet
US. Be careful, now. Where is your Ian.
tern?"
"Here," replied Jack. "Have you got
yours ?-Yes, see. Now the other things
here, I'll carry these"
"We'll divide. You are sure you know
the place."
"Certain."
Moving quickly but cautiously forward
in the shadow of the waving trees thai
bordered the road on the left-hand, young
Baker, keeping near hiscompanion's elbow
soon found himself in the midst of the city
ofthe dead. Drummond left the main road
and struck into one of the numerous small
paths lying completely in the shade, and sc
overgrown by tangled vines and weeds thai
it was difficult to make their way through
it.
"How neglected this part of the grouno
seems" murmured Baker, as his foot stun
bled against loose stone.
eyes, lust here it is. I don't want to e
too near the open places yet. Well skir
around bit and then strike across the
country. Confound that branch! Look ou1
for your eyes, man. Are you shaky stlll:'
"Never mind" was the rather impatient
reply. "I've undertaken the job, and I'll
see it through. Have we much farther tc
go?"
eyes, it's good way beyond here. Cold
isn't it? The wind is always sharp about
this region. Have you ever been out here
in the day time::"
"Once."
"Pretty place, rather. Some expensive
monuments. Don't admire many of them
myself, however. The L. monument i:
quite fine. Figure of Hope in colunned
temple, sphynxes guarding the entrance
grounds tastefully kept. Seen it?"
sNot that remember"
"It's too dark to show tito you now. Be
sides, our business requires despatch. Here
turn to your right, now we come to smooth
walking. Don't crunch the gravel more
than you can help. Halo, there's Jack"
"Here we are, General" said Jack, ad
vancing. 81 saw Toby down below, the
cart'l be along directly. How are you feel
ing now, Mr.. Baker,"
"Mr. Baker doesn't want any more lnves
LEGATIONS made in regard to his condition.
said Drummond, with a grin. "He's al
right"
The remainder of their walk was short
A few minutes brought them to freshly
made grave in an uncultivated spot o
ground. They halted, and Drummond ant
Jack squatted on the edge of flat tomb
stone, waiting for the arrival of some eX
pected aid. Baker walked up and down
shivering.