Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-12-02
THE RICHMOND DIspATCH-sUNDAY. DECEMBER Q 1888

bic. But l will not dwell on its beauty,
for everything that bears any similarity
whatever to il makes me shake as il
had a chill. It's heavy doors resemble
in every particular those OF prison,
and ponderous window-blinds are So
curely fastened with large iron bars.
Stones Of enormous size lay ut short
intervals around, doubtless thrown from
their destined places by the invisible but
I destructive hand of decadence. Since the
demise OF my grandfather the castle has
stood in q state of 'innocuous desue-
tude, and no one save myself has dared
to go within its gloomy and lettering
wallS Well, one dark stormy night as
/ was returning from visit, As felt the
influence of sleep stealing over me and
being near the castle, deemed il adj
visable to sleep therein. took from my
pocket the key 20 that psndemonium Of
demons Il was in the habit of carrying il
with mel, inserted it in the rusty lock, and
gave it several turns before it would yield
10 my efforts. Ientered, lighted candle
that had purchased near by. and wend-
ed my way up q spiral set Of steps, at the
end OF which | entered large but scanti-
ly-furnished room. Judging from Its
appearance it resembled more the abode
OF miser than rich and generous gen.
tleman. Invested myself Of part of my
hsbiliments, blew out the candle that
carried in my hand, and threw myself
across an old creaky bed. The horrors
of that night are ever bright in my me-
mory, and they have caused me unspeaka-
bic mental pain, together with nupe-
rous sleepless nights. No words can
give you even faint idea OF
the agony that ] have suffered.
Only a short time had elapsed when |
heard a noise, the like of which had
never heard before-it was so unnatural
and unearthly-and pray to God may
never hear it again. Ihe blood of my
veins Was as cold as an ic1cle, ] trembled
like an aspen leaf, the room was fright
fully dark, and not far from my bed oh !
horrors | shake when 1 think Of it
there stood a demon l was almost
paralyzed with fear His countenance
was horribly distorted, and in the cavities
of his head were glowing balls of
fire in lieu of eyes, Illuminating
the darkness with a hideous glare
His tongue protruded some length
ont OF his cayernous mouth, and his
entire individuality terrified me mex
pressibly. There he stood awhile con-
torting the muscles OF his demoniac vis-
age. ] tried TO move. but | was as il
chained 10 the bed l endeayored to
make a noise with my mouth, but the
tongue OF it cleaved to its roof. lie
then sprang at me with the agility of an
ape and made strenuous efforts 10 tear
ne in pieces with his sharp talons, but
fortunately / escaped his murderous
assault aud fed from the room IN mortal
terror. How [ managed 10 penetrate
the appalling darkness | know not, but
IN some manner | resched the street
and ran as only those can who are urged
by fright and pursued by death,
still followed by his Satanic
Majesty. Ny speed was abating
and respiration becoming quick and
difficult. / once more looked behind,
and in my wake no WAS following with
great velocity. But ere l had gone
many steps farther my flight was ar
rested by = precipice, over which gazed
with fear into yawning chasm. Here
WIS left the alternative OF death by
my adversary, or one leap. l did not
have much time for consideration for
he was hard by. Determined to battle
his efforts, if possible, | chose self-de-
struction. Any death, it matters not
how horrible, would be preferable to
that by fienj. l waited till his power
full hand, or talon, almost had me in its
grasp when jumped over the precipice.
AS descended looked up and saw an
expression of dissatisfaction on bis face. /
When | struck bottom l awoke. and 10
il was a DREAM