New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-05-15
LADY FLORRY'S GEMS.

and horrible echoing, whispering sound. as the
water drawn up by the two men at the winch
rose some ten feet higher. where each bucket IN
turn was caught by a check and reversed TO pour
its contents into a huge cistern to supply the
drinking water at the Castle.
J. Charles Lester, had climbed the down AFTER
nv early morning visit TO the sea beneath the
cliffs where plunge down into the clear depths
had sent an electric thrill through me. There !
had swum and divcd for ten minutes. dressed In
the warm sunshine. and tramped back over the
cliff slope where Lord Gurtlegh's flock Of South
downs were nibbling the short dewy heritage and
giving their mutton q gamey flavor by crunchinG
up the thousands of tiny snashells as well.
was satisfied with the look Of the flock.
laughed to myself as / thought what farmer.
bailff, and general man of business | was grow
ing in dear old Dicks interest. and then had gone
round so as to pass through the gardens and let
the men see was about
II know they'll call me Niger driver"
said to myself, "but they've all had too easy a
time of it during Dicks minority. and things have
been shamefuIly neglected" And then / unused
on my plans respecting the management of the
estate as went back to the Castle. making up my
mind that as Gurteigh had placed everything in
nv hands, I would have none but good men about
the place. Everything should he honest and above
board and so il fell out that was walking back
TO my room, through une yaru, dt oCioCh
that bright summer morning meaning to do
couple of hours writing and account reading.
when heard the squeahing and creakng of the
wheel in the well-housc with it's high pitched
roof
turned sharply, entering the great stone paved
wet pllce where q man was grinding away on
either side of the opening. and came plump-thats
the correct word, and his appearance justified
it-upon Brayson. the butler standing there. slowly
slipping a tumbler of water, and looking as clean
shaven and smooth as if he We're by the sideboard
in the dining room, waiting at one of the meals.
Good morning. SIR
Morning. BraysOn. Stop. Look here. my men.
why. in heavens name. don't You grease that
wheel? ?"
The men ceased turning, and the one nearest
touched his forehead.
=" Be no good sir. Her squeal again drecKerly.
all on account o the water"
Then grease it again. or oil it. or something! -
Never have been creased" said the man on the
other side. slowly. and in a way which seemed to
says: What business is it of yours?'
Then let il be done before tomorrow morn
ing" said sharply. The whole of the machine
is eaten I'D with rust. Where's your common sense.
mon? Why. your work will be as easy again
De Won do this often. Drayson9 ?" said.
"Every morning, sir" he replied obsequiously
winter and summer. always have a glass of
this water first thing. Finest drink in the world
for your health VIII you uy glass SIT
"Wcll-yes"
Pcfore had finished speaking he rinsing
tie lumber in freshly filed tub; then. taking
q clean napkin from his pocket. he wiped and
- uiishcl it. finally. as one Of the buckets rose
ont or the black VapOrous depths OF the opening
enclosed By the framework Of the winch. he signed
to the men to stop. and dipped the glass full.
holding il for few minutes in the open doorway.
while a frosty dew rapidly formed on the outside
o. the tumbler.
There, SIR he said soemnly. and he handed
it to me as if it were glass of his lordshlps
choicest champagne.
took the glass and drank its contents
Capital water. Brayson.
Finest glass in the country, sir"
And nice and cool
Always the same. sir. winter or summer Comes
from SO deep down. It's Just hundred feet"
Now after the dry weather."
Never alters sir: just keeps to the same height.
and there's about eighty foot of water down there
ncvcr-faihng supply.
"Humph: cut right down the solid chalk"
said. as gazed into the black depths of the huge
shaft which about ten feet IN diameter. ana
brcathed the cool. fresh air which rose.
Yes sir and she's never FOUL said the man
nearest to me- 1--WE been down when they
p,ended the bottom wheel. Can't do that at Sir
Romney's place two men choked there only last
year"
Year afore." growed the other man
"Oh. wcer it? SO it weer."
Then the winding went on as peered down into
tho gloomy place listening to the dull. heavy
ulunce OF the buckets as they reached the water.
and then TO the cchong. splashing ana hollow
musical sound as the water streamed and drlDpeu
hack when they
Clumsy arrangement" said. as turned away
with shudder; for the place was creepy anu
terrible and strange There ought TO he a force
nlmp turned by a pony or donkey, as at Caris-
brooke. Oh! BY the way, Brayson," continued;
"a I was crossing the yard toward the gates. l
want to 90 over the wine-cellar."
The wine-cellar. sir ?" be said and his fat
lay Yes TO take stock Your lOrdship talks Of
LAYING down a fresh supply. Have your cellar
book ready, and we'll begin at once There was
Slioht dew on the mans face, or | fancied there
WAS and said to myself l went round to the
Master Brayson has been helping himself to
a few bottles of port, and I've got to ma him out
Deuced unpleasant, all this running TIT az the
servants; l wish i had gone on reading Tor the
law"
CHAPTER III.
After breakfast rang for Brayson, and began