The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1888-10-20

trees and bushes, ana IrlnSeu Win IdnSlcu
growth of rank weeds. The afternoon had
become suddenly overcast, and dense masses
of cloud were rolling up; while cold wind
| rufled the surface of the water and
tossed about the trees growing around. Be
yOnd the pool was a fiat marshy valley, on
| the opposite side of which range of hills
| shut in the view.
Meanwhile Mrs. Griggs, an ancient dame
| of gnarled and l1notted aspect, was endeav
oring to make fire blaze in the rusty CRATE.
Accomplishing this, in course Of time a
plain meal was set before me, and l was left
in peace to discuss it. The walk having
given me a fine appetite, fell to, nothing
! 10th. When l had finished, made closer
inspection of the contents of the room. A
cupboard in the wall was filled with old
lumber of various descriptions. Opening
the cabinet with one of the keys given to
me by the lawyer, l found drawers filled
with old accounts done up in methodical
manner, a pair of silver-mounted pistols of
bygone date, some odds and ends of curl
osities, but nothing of any special interest
or value. At length opened a small drawer
with the smallest key of the bunch, and
took out sealed packet, which was ad-
dressed to me. christening it eagerly,
found it to contain a miniature of a lady
and child, and also short letter, which ran
as follows:
NEPHEW FRANK-I leave you the old house.
which has been in our family since it was built
Though tits desolate enough now, it once echoed
the voices OF those very dear to me. See that you
do not suffer any thing to be destroyed. Iparted
In anger with your mother, my only sister; but
now would prove if you, the only remaining
descendant of the old house, are worthy to
bring back its former state. Patience and per
severance are necessary; but if you strive you
will in the end be rewarded. My blessing rest
on you, if you obey. HORACE OLDCAsrLE.
After reading the letter several times,
rang for old Griggs, to try to get some in
formation about my uncle
He were a close man, were Muster Old
CASTLE" said he, Giving here by himself
since his wife and child died years ago He
left the old place exactly as it was when
they were alive, and could not bear to see
strangers My idea is that the trouble
made him a bit queer. He caused the west
wing to be shut up; and they do say as some
of the old Oldcastles walks there. never
see any of IN; but there's strange noises o.
noightsn
made an inspection of the house and
pitched upon bedroom next to my uncle's
study as being most convenient Mrs.
Griggs lit fire there, and bringing in some
bedclothes, made the room in little while
as comfortable as circumstances would per-
nit The wind had now increased to a gale,
and heavy drops of rain dashed against the
window. Returning to my uncles study, l
settled myself before the fire to enjoy a
snug evening before turning in for the
night. The old couple who occupied some
rooms in a distant part of the house, hay
in rot 81 1,,4
world. A pair of Candles flicIered on the
table, and the changeful light of the fire lit
up and threw into gloom the dark walls
and furniture. Taking a book, was soon
deep in its pages 1t was an old col
lection of legends and romances of Spain
One tale took my fancy. 1t related how
certain Don Alfonso made a search
in the Alhambra in Granada and how, after
many strange adventures, at length was
successful in breaking the charm that held
a great treasure guarded by enchanted
MOors, and became possessed of the whole.
became deeply interested in the old world
legends. After awhile l closed the book,
and leaning back in my chair, fell into
brown-study. Suddenly became aware of
a strange thing An old man, whom knew
to be my uncle, though | had only seen him
once years ago, was standing by the cabi-
net, looking intently at the books on the
shelf. l stared at him with all my eyes, and
yet, though full of amazement l felt no
fear. After short time he took down
book opened it, and seemed to make a mark
inside He then replaced it, and took down
the next, and, by slow degrees, went through
most of the library. Suddenly, l heard
loud knock at the door, and breaking the
spell that held me- l started up and con-
fronted Mrs. Griggs. Turning to the cabinet,
saw no one there the books were ON the
shelf, and | noticed the empty space from
which | had taken the Spanish legends. For
time / could do nothing but stare at Mrs.
Griggs, who kept courtesying and asking
me if would take any supper Asking her
if any one was IN the house except her hus-
band, she said no, and that the door had
been locked for more than an hour.
Diminishing the old woman with a good
night, | seated myself by the fire, and on
thinking quietly over the strange event,
came to the conclusion that must have fall
en- asleep and dreamt it.
A sudden thought struck me that perhaps
| might find something in the books about
which my uncle had seemed so busy. Look
ing at the backs, saw that each book was
marked with letter stamped in gold under
the title. Beginning at the left hand volume,
which was marked A, each was marked in
alphabetical order ending with the last vol
umeZ. Looking over the pages of the first
volume, could find nothing written in it,
the only mark being a red cross on one of
the leaves Reading this particular part
threw no light on the mystery, as the text
related to legal matters about the possession
of land. Having no more relish for reading
that night, 1 retired to my bed in the next
room, and soon forgot my uncle in a sound
sleep.
In the morning rose early, greatly re-
freshed, and strolled out to view my
domain The sun shone brightly, and it was
impossible to feel gloomy under the clear
fresh sky, with the sweet breeze playing
over the peaceful hills. Returning after
short walk, to breakfast, then set myself
to consider my position and arrange matters
as to my new mode of life. l had been left,
some few years back, with an allowance
which barely suflced to keep me, but had
unfortunately been put to no profession.
The outlook was not promising, and l did
not feel very hopeful regarding my future.
To try and cheer myself up, l made
were mostly in a state of decay; but the
furniture and decorations, in spite of the
ravages of time, were handsome, and
showed that my ancestors kept great state
at one time. My uncle was reputed to have
been very rich, but what he did with his
,,,oro,, ,,,as a tnvatartr for ha ho1 ovI,, loft