The Distinguishing Characteristic Of A Freemason's Beart.

with the idea that there was really something to be found under the surface of the grass-grown mounds more important than mere foundations and rubbish , that I resolved to thoroughl y examine the spot . I did not deem it advisable to take anyone into my confidence , and by stealth 1 contrived to bring various tools to the castle wherewith to aid me in my excavations . J worked early and late ,

but my labours for a tunc were unrewarded . One sultry day my exertions had so wearied mc that I desisted for a time , and tempted by the appearance of the calm and beautiful sea tiiat lapped lazily against the cliffs below the castle , I threw off my clothes and p lunged into its pcliieid waters . lam a vigorous . swimmer , otherwise 1 shonld not have bathed hereabouts , as the rocks and boulders art

many and dangerous . Whilst disporting myself very near the highest cliff I noticed a number of gulls suddenly emerge from a crevice or rift in fhe rocks above my head . I swam nearer , and actuated by a feeling of intense curiosity , I clambered on to a ledge and managed to draw myself up to the place , getting my limbs and body somewhat brnsiel and cut in the effort . The opening was about

tour feet high and from two to three feet wide . I cautiously crept in , and after proceeding a short distance , to my surprise I . discovered that I could walk jierfectly upright . 1 noticed also that the rocks on cither side had evidently been at sonic period rudely quarried by the hands of man . 1 retraced my steps , and having carefully noted , with a view to future exploration , the position of the passage , I

dived into the sea and regained the shore . Next day 1 took with mc a lantern , a rope , and other articles to assist me in my investigations . Having approached the edge of the dizzy height , 1 lowered my imulemcnts by means of a long , thin rope to the ledge beneath the opening . This accomplished I made the rope fast to the cliff , and paitly divesting myself of my apparel I entered the water and was

again successful in reaching the entrance of the subterranean chamber , for such it proved to be . It must have taken a considerable amount of labour and time to have fashioned the apartment , but a more secure hiding place could scarcely have been contrived . JI would take too long to explain to you all the secrets I discovered , suffice it to say that I found a mode of egress from the vault more easy of accomplishment than the seaward one .

" I presume that this chamber communicates with the passage overlooking the sea Y " observed Dornton . " " it does , " was the repl y , " but with the exception of a small opening which I purposely left , as it acts as a shaft for the outlet of the

smoke from yon chimney , I have blocked it up so effectively that not even the birds can revisit their old haunts . To me belongs the merit of discovering the place and its mysteries shall die with me unless I choose to lay them bare to you . What think you I found in the vaults ?"

Dornton , who again began to feel alarmed at his companions flighty appearance , vouchsafed no answer . Crcsswell , who did not notice the absence of a reply , quickly rose from his scat and in excited tones exclaimed— " Talk of the riches of Croesus , why man , they were as naught in comparison with mine . ByPlutus ! 1 swear that 1 could purchase a kingdom if I chose .

Hark ye , within these mouldering vaults are chests of rose-nobles and other coins of a bygone age , ingots of gold and silver , rare ornaments and precious jewels fit to deck the diadem of King George himself . On the night I discovered this uorlh country EI Dorado , this mine ol wealth , I thought how many worshippers at the shrine of Mammon in this sordid world would be ready to grovel at mv lect for a liny

share of it . I plunged my hands info the chest , and as the glittering coins fell from my lingers with a musical jingle I thought also of the thousands of men , aye , and women , too , who would willingly barter their honour , their souls to possess the dross . But they shall not have it . I will , miser-like , gloat over my riches , and when I am no more the treasure will lie undisturbed and in darkness , as it has done for centuries . "

"My dear sir , said Dornton , wishing lo humour his companion , though firmly believing that the treasure had no other existence than in the imagination of fhe balf-cra / cd man , " do you not think it would be better to acquaint the authorities with the circumstances Y "

" What is that you say Y " thundered Crcsswell , and a menacing look took possession of his countenance . " Fatten the rapacious maw of the Crown with such a ttonsure-trove as no monarch ever yet received Y No , a thousand times no ! " He then sank into a chair and clasped his head within his hands as if in pain . Presently he

regained his composure , and in courteous tones said , " You mean well , Mr . Dornton , ami I have again to apologise for my hasty language . Pray forgive me . To-morrow I will tell you more , but the dark fit I feel is upon me to-night , and it would be unwise to talk further . You anil yonder babe can sleep in perfect security . I shall retire to the adjoining room . Good night . "

Dornton , alter his strange host had departed , mused for a time upon his adventure , bnt sleep at last overcame him . He was aroused next morning by a gentle touch on the arm , and starting up , beheld Ores well standing by his side , who said , " I trust that you have slept well Y "

"Indeed , J have , was the reply . "You are doubtless anxious to quit this gloomy vault for the brig ht light of heaven , " continued the other . " I am entirely in your hands , sir , " cautiously answered Dornton . " Before I conduct you to more cheerful quarters , " said his host , " I must exact a promise that you will not divulge what you have

The Distinguishing Characteristic Of A Freemason's Beart.

witnessed , and will preserve a discreet silence as to the communication 1 made last nig ht , Y " '" I should lie most ungrateful to act otherwise , " warmly returned his companion . " I . have every confidence in you , Mr . Dornton , but I must ask you to gratify another whim of mine , and that is to allow me to blindfold yon . I will carry the boy and in a few moments you shall be a free agent . "

Dornton cheerfully acquiesced m the strange request and was led by Crcsswell through intricate windings to the exterior of the castle . The bandage was then removed from his eyes . It was with feelings of joy that Dornton behold the glorious

expanse of unclouded sky , the bright emerald tint of the sward , and the picturesque ruins of the onco extensive fortress , but as his gaze fell on the glittering sea his breast became heavy with grief , his eyes filled with tears , and a deep sigh escaped hint when ho thought of her whom he had lost for ever .

His companion apparently divined what was passing through his guest ' s mind , for placing tho wondering child in the poor fellow ' s arms , ho gently said , " Come , come , my friend do not grieve . I pity you from my soul , I . fear the worse , bnt it is possible that your wife may have been rescued by some vessel , anyhow , you have to be grateful to Providence that it spared you this little golden-haired cherub . "

" I am , sir , " cried Dornton , " and notwithstanding your dislike to my mentioning the circumstances , I shall never forget how much I owe to you . " " 1 will now conduct you to my small cottage on the links adjoining Dunstcr Steeds yonder , " said the other , apparently not heeding his companion ' s remarks .

As they descended the grassy slopes towards the spot indicated , Mr . Crcsswell chatted pleasantly with his companion , who was greatly struck with the calm and rational manner in which he spoke . Upon arriving at the cottage , which was small and humbly

furnished , the former said , " Pray , make yourself thoroughly at home , Mr . Dornton . Mine are only the rude quarters of a bachelor . I have no resident servant , as I prefer to have my actions un watched and unrestricted . As you are of similar height and build to myself , I have some clothes upstairs which are entirely at your service . "

Having made the suggested change of raiment , Dornton descended , and together with his child partook of breakfast with his host . " I will now leave you for a short time , " said Crcsswell , at the conclusion of the repast , "in order to enquire of the fishermen for news , if any , of your shipwrecked friends . "

An hour passed and the privaay of Dornton was disturbed b y a knocking outside . Upon going to the door he saw two powerfullooking men . " Is Major Montague within Y " said one . " No person of that name lives here , " replied Dornton . " Well , then , is Mr . Crcsswell at home ? " was the next question . "No ; but I expect him back shortly , " was the answer .

" We must search the house , " continued the fellow , sharply . •' I cannot allow you to do so without authorit y , " said Dornton , Hushing with anger at the other ' s offensive bearing . " Stand aside , young man , you must not bandy words with us . Crcsswell alias Montague is an escaped lunatic . VVc are ollicers , and have a warrant for his capture . Here it is . "

Dornton glanced at its contents and saw that the announcement was indeed true , the description given in tho document of the missing Major Montague corresponding with that of the recluse Crcsswell . " 1 can only reiterate what 1 have alread y told you , " he remarked . " You can search the premises , but the poor gentleman is not here . " " That remains to be seen , " was the surl y observation , and the speaker and his comrade entered the house .

Whilst they were upstairs , Dornton heard a quick step outsido the cottage ; he divined that it was the madman returning . Actuated by a generous implusc , and which he ever after regretted , he quietly opened the door , and in low tones said to Montague , " Run for your life ! the keepers are here . "

With a scared look on his face at the information , the Major uttered a mocking laugh and wildly crying out , " Let them catch me if they can ! " he bounded off in the direction of the ruins . The officers heard him , and came rushing down the stairs , and then darted away in rapid pursuit . Then ensued a race which was fated to have a most tragic ending .

Dornton , bruised and weakened as he was , followed as quickly as he could .

'The hapless Montague had the start of the keepers , but they were younger men and swiftly gained upon him . He managed , however , to climb the steep slope by crumbling Lilburne ' s Tower before he was overtaken b y the foremost of his pursuers .

Like a wild animal at bay , the Major turned , and , seizing the panting ollicer b y the throat , he struck him a powerful blow in the chest which sent him reeling down the rocky decline where he lay at the bottom sorely bruised . The other fellow undeterred by his comrade ' s discomfiture eagerly pushed on .

Dornton , by this time had also reached the plateau and he hoped that the human quarry would in sporting parlance "run to earth , " or , in other words , would reach the secret passage . In this , however , ho was mistaken .