The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-12-11

had been to the little church in "Stoke
Poges," and stood by the side Of the
spreading yew trees" of which the poet
Gray sung
But" exclaimed my new found friend.
''you have not been to the old Norman
church in Clever near by"
The inner man completely refreshed
my conscience would not allow me to
return to London until had investigated
this ancient edifce, which / understood
TO be a thousand years old, or there
abouts. II was only a couple of miles
distant and in the bracing atmosphere
OF an autumn day 1 was really enthusi-
astic for the walk along the banks of the
sleepy Thames. the waters OF which re-
Elected the setting sun. Being a young
man. l was flushed with a healthy cir
culatiOn of blood, and became enthusi-
astic through an aroused energy when |
entered the dreamy churchyard, thick
with bushes and yew trees With buoyant
spirits l hurried 70 the heavy oak door
Of the church at the end of the path
before me. 1t was locked. secured
along the outer walls of the structure,
unsuccessfully trying 10 gain a glimpse
OF the interior through diminutive stained
glass windows. The outward mas. nry
seemed composed entirely of pebbles and
cement. But, on, what good lucki After
half completing the circuit Of the build
Ing l discovered that one Of the little
narrow windows had been left open.
! felt adventuresome, and only hesitated
q moment before poking my head through
and then struggling 10 draw my body
after. 1t was my duty 10 gaze upon an
interior which had reverberated with
echoes from threats now silent for ten
centuries.
1t was a handsome, highly polished
rosewood or mahogany table upon which
was sprawled after passing the window,
even to my feet. / was a little conscietce
stricken, but as IT was fast becoming
dark did not think had time to ascer-
tain how many scratches upon its surface
from buttons, finger nails or shoes may
have resulted from my vigorous struggle
to pay my respects to the interior of this
old temple.
l at once strobe forth into the body Of
the church, and with the utmost conf
deace rushed through the dismal light
20 the altar, and then up and Gown the
aisles. eager 10 do it up brown and be
gone with a conscience easy in a realiZa-
ton Of duty performed.
Reading ancient memorials and inscrip-
tionI upon slabs which possibly helped
TO encase the dead is not cheering, and
my spirits fell before L had completed
my groupings I'm hooks and corners Twi-
light was settling upon this ancient vault
and an oppressive silence reigned about it.
/ vigorously marched from corner to
corner. not only to keep aroused my en-
ergy, but 10 somewhat dspel the shrink
ing and intmidating effects Of the sur
rounding gloom and awful silence. Thus
l sought TO invigorate the atmosphere
OF death. and through my own energy TO
forget suggestions Of apparitions arising
from vaults and dissipate the otherwise
weird and uncanny feelings envelopinS
me. 1t was weird and uncanny place
at any time Of day and far from enliven-
ing in the cleaning. The spirit OF con-
queror in possession of stronghold had
deserted me, and / no longer glowed with
satisfaction over my victorious entrance.
An unpleasant consciousness possessed me
that / was virtually locked up alone In
this dreary place at nightfall. l was
seized with misgvings regarding the
sufIiciency OF the extremely narrow and
uncomfortable crevice 1 counted upon TO
serve me in "a return to the outer world,
and with no table on the outside.
l surrendered my ardor TO study an
Equities and tiptoed In ignominous re-
treat toward my only exit, determined 10
seek surroundings more inspiriting after
rundown. yet fearful OF not escaping the
tomb had entered before entire dark
ness might settle upon It,
Nearly gaining the altar thought I
heard slight noise at the heavy oaken
door at the back END Of thechurch. Sure
ly some one was inserting a key!
instihcuVely i stepped into one OF the
large modern pews and crouched down,
In the spirit OF one guilty OF some grave
ohense. Resting upon the seat and gag
Ing through the dim light | thought
saw the door slowly opening Involun-
tarily ducixed down upon the floor out
OF sight, flushed with modification al the
tnonght OF being found locked In this
place ana not relishing the prospect OF
having TO confess that curiosity had ,sa
one to stoop to the indixnity OF crawlins