Jasper's Folly.

The tempest of the previous night , although ifc had raged but a short time yet it had been a most deslructive one . In thc park-like lands of Mortimer several lino trees that had borne for ages unseal lied the brunt of manv storms sho weel the terrific effect of the

lightning ' s power . In the quaint courtyard there was lying the debris of the watch'tower that had for years been an attractive object in the landscape

-for miles around . Strange to relate the servants had not been dis-•turbed nor aroused by its fall . The first to make the discovery was a stable-boy , who had to rise with the lark . He rubbed his still drowsy eyes in bewilderment , and then ran back to the stable and roused the head groom .

•IJ ' There was a fierce stra ^ le , I hen there came a i ) ieTciny e-ry , the 0-3- of one in mortal uifonv . "Jlisler Roger , git nop ! Soinethin' orl ' ul ' as ' appened , " he Wildly cried . " Owd Jasper ' s Tow ' r be all of a ' cep . 'J'h ' yard is

choked full o' rubbish , and th' jackdaws nt th' loss o' their young uns is cliulteriii' an' sqiiealin' all over the p lace . Won't the Squoirc be sorry ! " The groom quickly dressed , and with the lad hurried to the scene of the disaster .

'" Take my horse to the slahles , my lail , I will liml my wny to the hall . " At thai moment Ihe hell of the outer gale was rang . The boy liiistene I to se'o who it was lhat thus eni-. ' y sought admit lance . Thc visitor proved In he a gi-iitleinan . lie had dismounted , and was holding the bridle of his horse . " Js Mr Moi'liuier at Louie r " he inquired .

Jasper's Folly.

" Yes , sir ; that he be , " said the lad , touching his cap , " but Squoirc don't rise early . Since his lady left he sits oop arf th ' noight , an' then keeps 'is bedroom till mid-doy . " " Take my horse to the stables , my lad . I will find my way to tho Hall . "

As he crossed the courtyard he encountered Roger , who was gazing ruefully at the effects of the ni g ht ' s storm . " This is a serious accident , my man , " said the stranger , pointing to the ruins . " It must have been a terrible stroke of li ghtning to have wrought such destruction . At what hour did it happen ?"

" I can t say , sir , was the reply . " I went to bed soon after ten last night , and just as the storm was brewing . I was soon asleep , and heard nothiii ' . The servants' wing is some distance away from here . No ono was roused , f believe . Have you called to see Squire , sir Y " he respectfully asked .

" 1 bave , " answered the other . " I had an appointment with him last ni ght , but could not keep it . My horse is a mettlesome one , and cannot face lightning . I was about to canter over , but the storm broke , and therefore , for the sake of my neck , I deemed it prudent to postpone the visit till this morning . I am led to believe that Mr . Mortimer , when in health , invariably arises early . It is now on the stroke of six . Is hc stirring yet Y "

"The Squire , in elitys gone hy , was one of the first ; in the Hall to get up , sir , " said the man . "Many and many a time has he risen before the servants , and , saddling his horse , has enjoyed a gallop before breakfast . Ah ! those werc in the happy days , sir . There was not a better tempered gentleman or kinder master in the world . When mourning and trouble came on us every thin' was upset . Poor master ! " and the speaker ' s voice quivered . " If it pleases you to follow me , sir , I will sec if Jonson , the Squire ' s man , be up . "

lhe visitor was then conducted to an ante room . Shortly after Jonson , the valet , entered and inquired : " Is your business of importance , sir Y Mr . Mortimer ' s strict orders are that no one is to tlisturb him till lie rings . For some time past he has not been at all well , and his hours of retiring to rest and of rising , have been most irregular . "

" My business is most important , " urged the stranger . " As T have previously explained to the servants I saw in the courtyard , I was to have called upon him last night , but the outbreak of the storm prevented me . Here is my card ; please take it to him . If he be asleep do not disturb him . I will wait till he rings for you . "

The valet , with a bow , took tho card and quitted the room . A few minutes elapsed , there was the sound of hurrying footsteps , the door of the ante-room opened , and Jonson entered with blanched cheeks and wild , staring eyes . "My God , sir ! " he cried , " 'tis awful . So sudden . M y head is in a whirl . "

" What has happened Y" inquired thc visitor , in tones of alarm . ' * Pray compose yourself . " " It is not thc time for composure , sir , when one of the dearest and best of men is lying dead , 1 think , upstairs . " " Dead ! " echoed the other . " Merciful Providence , I am shocked . "

"l ' ollow me . sir , said the valet , as he rushed from the room . The stranger quickly followed , and was taken to the library . The apartment was in confusion , chairs were overturned , the glass of the table lamp was broken , and the folding doors of the window were

wide open . Lying on Ins back upon the floor was the late owner of the Hall . His face wore an awful look , thc eyes were horribly distended , the cheeks were swollen and discoloured , the teeth wero clenched , and tightly clutched in the dead man ' s hand was the boll-pull .

" Was it apoplexy , sir Y ' queried the valet , " or was master overtaken b y a fit of madness Y He has several times of late told me that he thought his reason was giving way . Sometimes lie woulel pace the room like a wild animal in its cage , and would speak strangely . When he was in those moods I durst not approach him !"

lhe other answered not , but , stooping down , placed his hand upon the heart of the Squire and loosened the cravat . The stranger shook his head sadly , and , starting to his feet , he exclaimed "Your Master has been dead for liours , and lie died not by natural causes . Hc has been foully murdered . " " Murdered ! " repeated the other , " But how r * There i . s no blood nor sign of a wound Y "

"He was strangled , " was the startling admission " and the murderer has used his poer victim ' s cravat to effect his purpose . Look for yourself . " The valet partl y removed the cravat , and then saw livid marks upon the ileud man ' s throat . "At what time did you last see your late master alive Y " demanded the stranger .

"Shortly alter nine o clock sir , ' was the reply . " 1 saw him sitting here facing the fire . The days have beeu very warm but the nights of late have beeu cold . The Squire gave orders to have the lire lit at six o ' clock yesterday evening . This was elone . I asked him when I saw him later , if 1 should assist him to undress . He said ' Xo , as he was expecting to meet a friend . ' He bade me

to sit up till ten , and if the visitor did not arrive by that time I was to go to bed . I then asked him if the maid should prepare any lofresliineiit for his expected guest . He only shook his head . I left the room and according to his instructions I waited up till about ten . I went to sleep and was not disturbed during the night . " " I was , as I havc . said , the visitor that he expected , " remarked the other . " Would to heaven that 1 had faced the storm : " ho then added ,