Rensselaer Gazette, Volume 2, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 May 1858 — Original tale. [ARTICLE]

Original tale.

INKLINGS OF JDLEVILLE.

WRITTEN tIrtUILY FOR THE RENSSELAER GAZETTE,

BY QUIZ.

(CONTINUED.) CHAPTER XXIV. : ■ ' ■ i- ■ • ’ L i ■ I weak; he strong In gold, in members, rank, authority. I nameless. ***** He full-blown with his titles, which Impose Still further on these obscure pettyjburgher* Than they could do elsewhere. —Werver. The fire burned fitfully upon Durell’g, -hearth, casting its lighit upon tlhe sullen brow of the dwarf; as he sat before it. . Edith had left him but a few moments. While she remained, however, he had occupied his : old cot; shortly alter she departed, he rolled j out- and took tip his position by the tire,' laughing to himself in his peculiar way. Upon the table beside him, lay a large bunch of skeleton keys, a dark lantern, a pair of long, slender forceps and a piece of stout wire, curiously bent; while in his hand he! twirled a small but strongly made chisel, j That, his sickness was feigned was evident, and from the implements abo«t him, his pur- i pose was undoubtedly a dishonest one. Occasionally there broke in upon the i quiet of,, the apartment a faint, clinking! sound, as of some one hammering upon a' nietalic substancer Durell took no notice | _ot it, however; and it Continued at intervals to interrupt the silence. About three hours had elapsed from the tinip he had arisen,

-when he threw,the chisel ion the table and went out to <*he front of the house, where hp remained a short time Jap parently without ally definite object in- view. When he came hack, he seated himself as before, gazing listlessly into the smouldering embers, for a couple of hours loti gey.

It wanted now'but a few minutes of midnight. Durell arose from his seat, and placing the keys and other implements on various parts of his person, lie lighted the lantern and started out, taking his way leisurely across the common. Thri town was profoundly still; scarcely a breath seemed stirring, yet it was very cold, and the dwarf drew his tattered coat more closely about hint as the keen night, air istruck upon his person. The inclemency oif the weather, however, did not make him mend his pace; it required something extnlordinary to do that. With his accustomed slow, shuffling step, he continued on till he reached the front of Mr. Wise’s residence. He opened the gate very cautiously, and approached the house. Seeing nothing indicative of aliima-

tion by the way he came, be walked round to the rear of the dwelling, gazing attentively at the windows. The; house was to-‘ tally dark and quiet. Having s&tified himself of this, he neared a sidq door and inserted one of the keys intoi the lock; he withdrew it immediately, fVcling that there was one on the inside. The! forceps were then brought into use, and the holt slowly turned hack. With a chuckle, Durell was the next moment standing witliin the sittingroom, for thence the door led. He slid the shade of the lantern, and the light shining brightly from the circular ofifice, plainly d sclosed everything upon which it was directed, keeping the bearer in the dark. The dwarf paused awhile he had examined the contents of tin/ room, asi if uncertain how to proceed; then, partly closing the shade, he passed through a dojor leading tJ the hall, and then, as if he wetfe thoroughly acquainted with tluri house, he went confidently up the stairs, through a long passage

and halted at the door of Mr. Wise’s study. He endeavored to open it, hut found it locked. Placing his lantern on the floor, after peering into the key-hole tto see that it Was clear, he produced his bunch of false keys, and tried one after another without access. Muttering an oath, he next tried his wire. This effort also proved unavailing. With another imprecation on tile stubbornness of the lock, he produced his! chisel with the intention of prying the door open. He paused, shook his head, replaced the chisel from whence he had taken it, and, resorted again to the wire. He worked patiently at the lock for five minutes; finally it yielded, and entering, he closed the door and sprung the lantern.

The room in which he found himself was of moderate size; along one entire side were ranged books, uniformly bound in calf, a damask-covered* lounge occupied a place next the windovVs, near by stood a plain, mahogany writing-desk, and a leather-cush-ibned chair. The carpet hud once been handsome, hut was worn in various places, and just under thedpsk a piece of oil cloth had. been laid down to conceal the large hole wade there by the constant friction of th*

feet. At opposite corners it was also worn through, just where he turned when pacing the floor.

Dui ell glanced around him, and a grim smile showed itself for a second about his thin lips as he looked. He approached and examined the desk; then very readily opened it with his wire and let down the leaf. The compartments were filled with papers, all neatly folded and tied up. Durell very leisurely commenced an exaip : nation of these documents. Some he merely glanced at; others he opened, replacing them exactly as he found them. He finally concluded, and with a dark frown upon hishrow, paused with his hands resting on the velvet-covered leaf of the desk. After a little reflection, he commenced a minute inspection of the drawers and construction of the escritoif, tapping the ends of his fingers against certain portions, and listening very attentively to the sound emitted. He pulled out one drawer, at last, containing only a few scraps of writing-paper; looked into and then at the end of it; taking his wire, he measured the depth of the inside and compared it with the outside; removing the drawer entirely, he emptied its contents on the floor, pmd then shook it close to his ear J something moved within, and Durell laughed as lie seated himself with the drawer in his lap and commenced looking for the means of getting into the secret of it. Minutely he examined every portion, but for sometime without success. Once he was on the point, in his impatience, of breaking it; but an ardent desire to keep the deed he was perpetrating as secret as possible,, he refrained. After some ten minutes’ work, he discovered a small peg in one corner'of the bottom; so neatly did it fit, and the end being just even with the surface, he had overlooked it several times. He pressed it in, and a strip at the back end of the drawer flew open, disclosing the aperture under the false bottom, which was about half an inch deep, and filled with papers.

These Durell emptied out, and as he did so a finger-ring rolled upon the floor. Picking it up,- he held it to the light; as the rays of the lantern fell upon it, the setting sparkled brightly. Turning it over, he descried on the inside the initials of a name; he quickly thrust it into his vest, and then lookeJ over the papers. He was evidently satisfied with his discovery, for-bis low laugh, invariably the evidence of gratification, escaped him as lie placed the papers in his bosom, closed the drawer, put it in its place and fastened the desk.

Assuring 1 Imself that he had left nothing behind which might lead to his detection, or even give information that anything had been disturbed, he commenced his retreat from the premises. Passing out of the study, he succeeded, after repeated trials, in locking the door. The bolt flew into the hasp with a loud click, and Durell, alarmed, hastily fr mi his stooping posture; as he did so, the chisel fell from his bosom on to the sthirs and rolled down several steps with noise enough, it seemed to the dwarf, to arouse the whole house. Hastily descending, he threw the rays of the lantern before him, discovered and picked up the implement. As he did so, he heard a voice, which he recognized as that of Mr. Wise, demanding, “Who was there!” Closing the lantern quickly, he paused and listened. Hearing Mr. Wise go back into his rodm, he hastily, but with a noiseless tread, made his way down the stairs and out the door. Passing fram under the porclf, he heard a window raised, and the next moment his ears rung with the report of a pistol. Fortunately for the dwarf, the ball missed

him, and without waiting for a repetition of the hazardous experiment, he dashed across the yard, out at the gate, and taking a roundabout direction, reached his house in about ten minutes. Rekindling the fire, which had quite *lied out, and securing the door, the dwarf sat down and, by the light of an old lamp, commenced an examination of his booty—valueless enough, to all ances, but to which Durell seemed to attach the utmost importance, from the risk he had run to obtain them. When he had finished, he secreted them in his cupboard, together with the ring.

Matters being thus arranged to his satisfaction, he took up the lamp and decended through the trap, of which we have before made mention. As he raised it, the clinking sound, to which we have also alluded, grew more but was deadened again as he disappeared and closed the door. Half an hour or more elapsed, ere Durell reappeared; and when he did so, he seemed in high, good humor. He took his old, black bottle from its in the cupboard, helped | himself freely to its contents, and then I planting his stool in the chimney corner, with a short, dirty pipe in hie mouth, he fall

to cogitating, interrupting the silence, it times, with a subdued laugh or muttering to himself. The noise below had ceased, and thus alone, with all the world asleep about him, did this isolated mortal seem to enjoy what the solitude afforded him. A plan he had undertaken, to the detriment of some one, had so far succeeded; and, revelling in the prospective satisfaction the result was to afford him, he seemed heedless of the late hour, and,totally disinclined to seek repose. The cold, gray dawn stole Tn through the chinks of the boarded windows, ere he laid bimselLdmyn, and it wits broad daylight before he closed his eyes, with his body doubled up into a knot, his long hair hanging about his face, and the thin lips patted, as if, even in slee:>, they could not be robbed of their habitual scornful expression. As the day' advanced, the noise below commenced, stopping at intervals, but it was riot loud enough to disturb the dwarf. The clink, clink, clink continued, and the.dwar; slept on.

CHAPTER XXV. Through the wide wOrlJ he only is alone \VTio lives not for another, Gome what will, The generous man has his companion still. Rogers. The little clock upon the ’Sitting-room mantle chimed ten, the usual hour for Mr. Crimpie’s household to retire. But the presence of Master George, and in consideration of his recent arrival, they were not punctual on this occasion to the moment. When the clock had ceased striking, Mr. Crimple drew a fine gold hunting watch from his fob, and compared its time witlTthe regulator on the mantle. There was something peculiar about his npanner as he examined the two time-pieces, an evident desire to attract the attention either of Mrs. Crimple, who was sewing( or George, who was busily engaged doing nothing, except looking into the coals. The wish was gratified; lor Mrs. Crimple, having finished her work, was rolling it up, and happening to look over toward her husband, saw the watch. As Mr. C. was in the habit of carrying an antiquated silver affair, the appearance of this more valuable and showy article, elicited a remark and an inquiry from the good lady. Master George looked up, and manifested a desire to examine it. Mr. Crimple passed it over to him, with an admonition to handle it carefully; ana the young gentleman, obedient to his wish, took it very dantily, at the same time expressing his admiration of it. He was on the point of handing it back, when the old gentlemen stopped him. - “Wait a moment, George; you have not examined it fully,” and taking the watch in his fingers as he spoke, he opened the back. “See what a fine movement it has,” continued the old gentleman, edging his chuir more closely to that of his protege. Master George acquiesced, though it mast be’confessed, his ability to judge was rather questionable.

“It is a very fine looking watch,” said lie, extending it toward Mr. Crimple, who had moved off a little. The movement was suddenly checked by the guards which the old gentleman, unobserved, had placed round his neck. The latter seemed surprised, and looked atjMr. Crimple, who was indulging in a very pleasant smile. v “Look at the inside of the back, George,” said he, as the youth was about to speak. He did so, and found engraved there, “To George Crimple, by his father,” which lie read aloud.

“Now you understand it, e!>J” and the old gentleman laughed quite heartily at the puzzled expression of the lad’s face. “But, father, this is rather an expensive present for me, is it not! ’ asked George, looking first at the old gentlour;n and then at his wife. “I hardly know fjuw to thank you for it,” he continued, not waiting for an answer, his eyes the meanwhile wandfering from the watch to Mr. Crimple, “Why, my boy,you talk as though a stranger were presenting it to you. Thanks! why bless me, I never thought of your thanking me, only of the pleasure it would afford you. Don't say anything more about thanks,” and Mr. Crimple, sots a. moment, looked quite serious.

George, after turning the wattch round in his hands half a dozen times, finally placed >t in his vest smilingly assured his father it should tfe taken care of. Shortly after his father arose and ignited a cham-ber-lamp, which was ready on the mantle, thus giving the signal for retiring. Mr. Crimple secured the doors for the night, while George lighted his tapers and proceeded to his room. He opened His eyes wide with surprise again, as he saw the array of books Mr. Crimple had spread out on the table, and picking up one after another, a w his own name therein.

As he laid the last one down, u sigh escaped him; and with his hands the table, he seemed for a moment buried in 'reflection. Finally a tear half stole from his eye, and placing his fingers against the lid, he brushed it away, and turned round—to find the old gentleman standing by his side.

“Father—Mr. Crimple—indeed, sir, I have not so deep a claim upon you that you should be so lavish of your gifts, though it is a gratification to me inexpressible. I feel that I am accepting too much.” ‘He spoke very earnestly, and took Mr. Crimple’s hand in his as he uttered the words;

“There, now, you have spoiled it all again,” said the old gentleman, looking for once as though he were out of humo:. “George,” lie continued, very gravely, “I hope you will not give me cause to tell you again not to treat me as a stranger. Have I not always cajled you my own son! and you are as dear to me. Now, if you do not wish me to b -eally angry with you, never act so ag-.in.” Sj saying, Mr. Crimple left the room and Master George to his repose.

"When the time came for the latter to return to college, he was duly fitted out afresh, and started. He regretted to leave home, of course, hut consoled himself with the reflection that two years more would find him a graduate, and leave him at liberty to come and go as he pleased. One morning, several days after the youth’s departure, Mr. Crimple, on going to his counting-room, found an unusually large budget of letters awaiting his perusal. He opened one after another, passed them as fast as read to one of the clerks, telling hirn how to answer them. He came to one, finally, written in a scrambling, irregular hand; he noticed the want of care displayed ip the superscription, and when he opened it, frowned perceptibly, and with difficulty deciphered the contents. Understood, however, the communication seemed to give him unbounded satisfaction. Hastily opening the balance of the missives, he quickly disposed of them, and drawing on his coat, seized his hat and hurried home, made same important discovery to his wife, after which followed a lengthy conversation. The; result was, Mr. Crimple found it necessary to start immediately on a journey, little to the gratification of Mrs. Crimple; but like a sensible woman, as she was, she kept her regrets to herself, and set about, with as light a heart as possible, to make the requisite preparations, and oversee the packing of the worthy gentl iman’s trunk. Had it been Mr. Crimpie’s intention to make a voyage to China, it could have created very little more of a sensation than did the journey which would be accomplished in three weeks at furthest. When the trunk was packed and Mrs. Crimple congratulated herself that everything was ready, she suddenly remembered that there was something Mr. Crimple could not possibly da without. The straps were unbuckled by the housemakLand room made for the necessary articles in the shape of a pair of slippers, which, ten chances to one,the worthy gentleman would not have time to wear. Then Mrs. Crimple mounted the trunk to press it together, while the girl locked and buckled it. Mr. Crimple was then duly informed of the precise locality of each article packed, in case he should need any thing in a hurry, or have to seek it in the dark, all of which he forgot immediately afterward. When the time for departure arrived and the carriage was standing at the gate with the baggage on,and Jeheu impatientof delay, Mrs. Crimple had a number of instances to impress upon the mind of Mr. C., relative to his good health; and he listened to the same as attentively as though he had been a youngster, just starting out in life, receiving admonitions from his mother.

“Keep that tippet clijse around your neck, Mr. Crimple; you know the least exposure will give you cold,’’ were the last words the old gentleman heard, as he walked in a huA ry to the gate, muffled up in a heavy coat with a fur collar, the tippet aforesaid, a cap with long fur ears, pulled down over his head, leaving only the tip of his nose, his eyes, and a portion of his rosy cheeks visible. He waved his hand, aft<T he had entered the carriage, to Mrs. Crimple, who remained standing in the front door, to see him off, her motherly face quite flushed with the kegn air.

When the carriage had whirled out of sight, she retired to the sitting-room,When she looked quite unhappy for half an hour or more, as though she were half inclined to cry. It was not long beforo sha cheeredmn, however, and the dark eyes looked bright as ever, and she executed her accustomed duties with the mild, comfortable manner habitual to her. It seemed for a time quite lonesome during th# evenings and at meals,

for it was so very seldom he went away from home that she scarcely knew how to bear his absence. She would not think of his being gone, altogether; the vary idea made her feel as though she must --go too; she could not remain here without him; there would be a void in the world that, to her, could never be filled.

Her anxiety was terminated, however, at the expiration of three weeks; at which time Mr. Crimple returned, and to judge front his actions, his trip had afforded 4tim pleasure, and resulted every-way favorably. He kissed Mrs. Crimple frequently, shook the servant-maid by the hand several times unconsciously, while he talked to his wife, and manifested his gratification in various ways, and to such an extent that his worthy wife se§rned to imbibe a portion of his hilarity, and felt as joyous as himself. (to 3E continued.)

{PSTAi Stroud, in Gloucestershire, England, a well-dressed man called on a wealthy and leading Quaker, and expressed great desire to see him, when his wife proffered him refreshment and a spare bed. But a servant girl did not like his looks, and, after all had retired, hid herself in a side parlor. la the night the stranger came down stairs, put on his boots, and leaving a carpet-bag in the hall, opened the door and gave a whistle. The girl quickly barred the fellow out. The carpet-bag had a rich assortment of revolvers, daggers, and burglars’ appliances, which the 3tranger never called for.

Morman War Song. —The Deseret News, of January 25th, contains a war song, of which the following is the first verse: “Who In all Deseret’* afraid Of Uncle Sam, and a’ that? Hts wondrous power, hi* great parade Of soldiers, arms, and a’ that; And a' that, and a’ that, Hi* wisdom, wealth, and a, that; ■Gainst Morman -'-ht he long may light. And yet be so for a' that,”

true a boy’s a wished-for blessing; but then suppose the first’s a girl; a dear, sweet child, with ways caressing; with pouting lips and flaxen curl; with dimpled cheeks and laughing eye, to come and bid “papa” good-bye! So, -whether boy or whether t’other, embrace the babe and then the mother.

an English lady, at whose house Dr. Johnson was dining one day, ; asked him if he did not think her pudding very, good. “Yes,” growled the great moralist, “it is very good for hogs.” ?*fshall I help you to another plateful, then!” said the polite hostess.

said a young hopeful, “let’s go to the nine pin ally and roll.” “Roll! boy, what do you know* about rolling!” “Me know about it! Why I can roll your darn’d old eyes out in less than ten minutes.”

is it,” asked a Frenchman of a Switzer, “that you Swiss always fight sor 1 money, while we French fight for honor!” “I stipposev” said the Switzer, “that both fight for what they most lack.”

old lady being afflicted with hysterics, imagined she could not breathe, and appealed to her husband with, “Mr.——, I can’t breathe.” “Well, my dear,” returned the afflicted husband, “I would not try; no* body wants you to.”

California papers have adopted the English custom of publishing births, as well as marriages, and also add a truly American of rather “Yankee” peculiarity by giving the weight of the new bora citizens.

Lamb, sitting down once to play whist with Elliston, whose hands were very dirty, said, after looking at them for some time, “Well, Elliston,_ if dirt— was trumps, what a hand you would have!”

lately heard of a housemaid who, about to leave a family rather unexpectedly, and urged to give a reason for it, simply said: “I can’t stay, the ladies speak such bad grammar.”

o^7”“Mu, what is hush?" asked a little boy. “Why, my dear, do you ask!” “Because I asked sister Jane ’what made her dress stick out so all round like a hoop, and she said hush."

I am afraid, my dear wife, that, while I am gone, absence will conquer love.” “Oh, never fear, dear husband; the longer you stay away, the better I shall like you.”

OC7”Thc man who was “filled with emotion*’ hadn’t room for his dinner.