Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-12-13

and feeling In al the old corners, went into
cupboard. tried the window seats, aud, as
last resource, turned his attention to the
chimney piece, which was very large and
highly carved The mantel was high, and
projected good way over the hearth The
panels on either side were orn,nented with
grotesque figures cut il bold relief. Ten
looked up the chimney, raped the wood
work, and pried into each little nook. was
similarly engaged, but with 70 success. An
exclamation from Tom caused IRE to rush 70
his side. when ! saw him pushing at 8 small
grotesque head inclosed in wreath Of leaves
and flowers. This seems TO give little,
Frank" said he; and, e1erting lis whole
strength, the projection sank into the panal,
which slid e little, TO one side and discloAd
dark opening.
Stop here moment, Tom" said I, highly
excited, while get light We must he on
the eve Of great discovery Huuying
down stairs, told old Grigss TO light Ian
tern; and snatching up chisel and hammer,
made my way back as fast IS could.
We forced the panel far enough to allow
Us to enter and CROPPED our way along dark,
musty smelling passage, only feebly lighted
by the lantern Stumbling along in what
seemed nearly one direction. we came 70 a
steep fight Of stairs, evidently built in the
thickness of the wall and ending in small
door, at which we stopped. Feeling no
latch, we gave simultaneous heave, and,
bursting the obstacle, fell forward into &
room Recovering ourselves, we searched
about on the floor for the lantern, which we
discovered in crushed condition and the
light extinguished.
Here's pretty go!'' cried Tom ITS 50
dark we can't find anything. One OF US had
better 60 back and fetch light" | volun-
teered to stay Tom felt MS way slowly
down the stairs, and after what seemed an
age returned with q candle and q box OF
matches.
Il wouldn't trouble Griggs,n said he az
got these from my bedroom, as we had
better manage this business quietly by our
Selves
We gazed about in bewildered way on
the room we had discovered It seemed 20
be close under the roof, and, from the direc-
ton CT the passage, was evidently in the west
wing Of the house. The walls and floor were
covered with dust, and the little air the place
contained came through q small grating over
the door. In one corner, fastened 10 the
floor by strong iron clamps, was ponderous
looking oak chest, grit with bands Of iron,
studded with nails and fastened with 8 curl
ously ornauented lock.
i have it!7 said Tom. That curious key
we found in the desk viii very likely fit this
lock; the ornamentauion seems very similar
in design"
In few minutes / returned with the kew,
and, after a vigorous wrench, managed 70
unlock the chest. We pushed open the heavy
lid, and perfect mine OF wealth was dis
closed 70 Us. Ny uncle must have mad an
old fashioned prejudice against banks, for
here was evidently the boarded riches Of
years, slowed away in a secret chamber, and
further protected by being in the part of the
house supposed TO be haunted In the chest
we also found letter addressed to me:
DEAR NEPEEw-I you ind this money, as be-
Heve you viii, take it as the reward for obeying
my wishes As tbs Hall has been il our family
since its foundation, solerunly charge you 20
adopt the name of OIdcastle; and may the old
line be revived in you Your loving uncle,
Horace OIDcAsTLE
This letter was dated only few weeks be-
fore my uucle's death, and it seems strange
and sad TO be hearing, as it were, the words
Of a dead man in that dark and ghostIy
chamber.
With the help Of Tom l was soon placed on
a friendly footing with his father, and the
Greariness Of the past was forgotten in the
light that beamed from CIaras dear eyes.
We had regular cleaning and polishing
up Of Hernmere Place; the west wing wss
thrown open to the light Of day, and few
months after saw Clara enthroned SIS mistress
of the old hall
Ny uncle has never again visited NE in my
dreams, and this take TO be proof OF his
satisfaction with the way in which 1 have
carried out his wishes.-Chambers' Journal