
In the shadow of the bustling industrial hub of Hillsborough, soot‑filled chimneys and tangled streets give way to a landscape once celebrated for its rolling valleys and crystal streams. The town’s relentless factories have turned its once‑clear waters black and its skies a perpetual gray, yet beyond the smog the surrounding hills rise in violet‑tinged splendor, hinting at a world untouched by progress.
Perched on the forked mountain of Cairnhope stands an abandoned medieval church, its moss‑covered walls and intact stained‑glass windows a stark contrast to the grime below. Guarded fiercely by the enigmatic Squire Raby and his loyal groom, the sanctuary remains untouched by vandals, preserving centuries‑old brasses and a solitary stone font. When curious travelers and local youths alike tempt fate by approaching its silent doors, they discover a web of old loyalties and whispered rumors that promise more than simple trespass.
Language
en
Duration
~19 hours (1122K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Donald Lainson; David Widger
Release date
2006-05-17
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1814–1884
Best known for vivid Victorian novels and plays, this English writer loved turning real social problems into gripping stories. His work mixed strong feeling, sharp observation, and a real flair for drama.
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