The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1902-10-11

.'-->>>' 49, oAsSN u P1i tA's AdlU SidfCi VI d
turnpike. By-and-by, the way became
rough and stony, and Horace knew that
they had left the city and its environs far
behind them. Not word had been ex-
changed between the young mechanic and
the unknown; and the man who held. the
reins and guided the horses, was silent as
the grave
AT length the carriage stopped, and
Horace was assisted toligbt. He was con-
Quoted up grassy path and into some sort
of building-he knew it by the confined
air and the heavy clang of the doors be-
hind him. With the unknown holding
fast to his arm, he ascended two flights of
stairs-then passed through several mouldy,
damp rooms; then down flight of steps;
through a long, empty corridor; and then
successively, descending four winding stair
cases-the last of unhewn stone. The air
grew moist and dense, the odor oppressive.
Where are you leading me?'' Flintwood
ventured to ask of his mysterious guide
1t matters not T. was the brief, stern
reply.
They stopped before massive iron door,
strongly secured by bolts, fastened in
grooves cut far into the solid rock of the
casing Down into their inches fell the
ponderous bars as the twain passed through
the entrance, and the door closed to with
dull, heavy bang.
The unknown paused, and drew off the
bandage from Horace eyes.
They stood in long, low apartment,
the sides of which were of black brick, and
the arched roof of dingy gray stone. The
dim light which the unknown carried in
his hand only served to make more hideous
the dismal gloom of the place.
In the center of the room there was an
oblong box, of unpublished oak, screwed
together by heavy iron screws, and in gen
eral appearance not unlike a coffin. A
thrill of superstitious horror passed through
Horace's frame; he started back few
PAGES, still regarding with distended eyes
the object before him.
"Well? p he spoke inquiringly.
"That box returned the unknown,
'scontains treasure-of what form it mat
ters not to you; suffice it that I wish it
placed here he pointed to a recess in an
angle of the wall-s'and then you are to
build across the aperature solid line of
masonry-solid, mind you ! two tiers Of
brick, breastwise, and coat of strong
plaster over the whole You will find all
the materials necessary to your work here;
and at precisely four o clock shall expect
to have the job complete. Until that hour
you will be alone-then I will come for
you p
Horace drew back 81 cannot, unless
I know the contents of that casket 1t
may be that I am employed-made the in :
strument of some dreadful villainy in
deed, indeed l cannot go to work in this
blind uncertainty r
ssChose between it and death p came
through the clenehed teeth of the unknown,
and drawing revolver from his breast, he
held it in frightful proximity to the young
mans forehead.
"Your decision r. His voice was low,
but awfully clear and distinct.
~ consent r. Horace spoke the words
without the shadow of quavering.
Enough and now | leave you to
yourself. If your work is done to my sat
isfaction, an additional hundred shall re-
ward you for the fright | have given you'll
He lighted an iron lamp which hung sus-
pended from the roof of the cellar, and
with courteous goodnight the un-
known withdrew, bolting the door behind
him.
Horace was left alone in the silent and
mysterious chamber.
A strange awe stole over hlm and min
gled with the overmastering curiosity he
felt to examine the sealed box Come
what would, he determined to have a
glimpse of s'the treasure concealed there,
and Horace Flintwood, when once resol led
upon anything however perilous, was as
immoyable as the eternal Rock of Gibral-
tar
Securing the great door upon the inside
with couple of rusty bars which had prob
ably been unused from time immemorial,
he drew from his pocket mason small
chisel, and applied it to the screws upon
the box. They yielded, one after another,
and in short space of time Flintwood
drew off the oaken cover A sight met
his eyes which we'll might paralyzed him.
The body of girl, young and surpass-
ingly fair, robed in white linen lay before
him There was death upon her brow and
eternal slumber on her lips! Her long,
chestnut hair swept bright and glistening
down her wax white neck, and the lids over
her full half closed blue eyes seemed but
dropping before the fixed gaze of him who
bent over her Entranced, enraptured,
fascinated Horace gazed upon the corpsel
Speech, motion, everything seemed
| gone out from him-all his faculties were
concentrated into one sense-that of see
ing
The striking of distant clock the hour
of one, aroused him to sense of his con-
diriou. His thoughts came back, and
rushed through his brain with the rapidity
of lightning.
Wall up this beautiful creature in eel
IL l.,,,n1asa and or a