Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-10-25

and then, as now, the business of such is to
obey, not to inquire into the right or wrong Of
actions, or stop to listen to the voice OF con-
science.,5fT az,s3.5 .3u RI Ls-l-
Seeing his danger, amuch shorter time than
usual suficed to bring Falens in front of his
residence. Hastily acending the steps he en-
tered, and took his seat in the large hall, where
he found the members of his family assembled.
He had not recovered from the effects of his
fright, and Valencia quickly perceived that he
was more than usually pale and excited; and
though she could not avoid fastening her eyes
upon him, yet she forebore, at present, ma
king any Inquiries.
After he had hurriedly seated himself, he
raised his hand and ciasped his forehead, and
sat in silence.
In the confused and hurried manner in which
he had entered, there was one in the room he
had not noticed. He sat in dmly-lighted
corner between yaldinus and Vertitil-whil.
Valencia and Fiducia were seated il the oppo-
site end of the hall.
Slowly lowering his hand from his forehead,
and folding his arms across his broad, throb-
ing chest, Faiens, gllncei his eye in the d.
rection of the stranger. Their eyes met atthc
same instant, and while flush Of sudden sur
pris, pass ed over the noble and manly features
of the former, there were evident indications OF
embarrassment in the shifty movements of
the latter.
"Ah, did not observe the presence of a
stranger as entered said Vs,lens, with an
air of slight dissatisfaction; and turning round
on his seat, he engaged in conversation with
Valencia.
This was Marcus. He had been in the fam
ily an hour, and had been treated by the mem
bers of the family who were present with due
respect.
He had passed most Of the evening in con-
versation with Valdinus and Vertitia. Nor
was he aware that his visits had been rterdict
cd though he had observed, as he thought, an
embarrassment in the fImly as he entered,
for which he felt at loss to account. The
manifest GOODNESS of Valens rather startled
him, and feeling uncomfortable he soon fonnd
it convenient to leave.
vcrtitia followed him to the door, hci flee
deeply flushed, and looking confusedly at the
floor. But Yaens, rising at the same instant
from his sent, passed out imm ediately after
him. Leaving Vertitia standing inside of the
door, and which wis only partially closed
yalens and Marcus stood on the broad mar
bic platform underneath the columned portico
which extended along the entire front of the
| building. Both were slightly embarrassed
| and it was some minutes before either spoke.
"a dreadful calamity has befallen our city, :"
| at length said Valens, with trembling voice.
eyes; and voc to the cursed dogs of chris
tians. The Emperor has decreed their exter-
mnation," said Marcus, rather angrily.
al trust,'' said Vaens, cllmly, 1.-THE Emper-
| or will show some clemency even towards the
poor and despised sect III.
esNonel'' exclaimed Marcus, ssthey have
| despised our Gods, and burnt our city. How
can such monsters expec. mercy -
cat all events said Valens, sSthey are en-
titled to a fair trial. and if proved guilty ad-
NIT they are deserving the severest punish
ment within the power of the Roman people,
| 'sTrial!'' again exclaimed Marcus, contempt
uousiy; try dogs, Williams, traitorst Let them
| be hunted like wild beasts. let them be torn
| to pieces, or burnt to ashes! All too good
for them
| Valens was thuder-srtuck at this uneXpect-
| ed TRADE. He could scarcely restrain his in
dignation. He did not, however, deem it prn-
dent to say more, lest his sympathy for the
poor christians should betrdy him. Hence
endeavoring to suppress an involuntary sigh
| he s,id firmly:
| ssMarcus much as I esteem the memory o.
your brave father, and your own tried valor,
must request, without assigning my reasons
that your visits to my family be discontinued :
h, Il,
trembling voice. stwere out of respect to your
self, and my love for your daughter -
81 only wish," replied valens, ssfor the pre-
sent TO exercise the rights of a Roman parent.
1 Marcus made no reply, but descending quick
, " the lofty fight of marble steps, rushed int
the street, and disappeared in the darkness.
There had been light enough, however, I
reveal TO Valens knit brow, clenched teeth
. and compressed lips as the young officer
had tbruptly left him.
As Vetitia had rem lined standing inside o
/, the door, she could distinctly hear most of til
conversation going on without, and to whic
she stood listening for some time with cage
and trembling interest. i
Il Aelength, hearing her father request MAJ
ems to cease his visits TO his family, her husf
cd face had turned instantly pale as death; an
she had rushed across the hall and flung hei
self on her knees at her mothers feet
.sOh! mother, do intercede with fa'her 1e
: me he mas forbid Marcus returning again.
said she, her eyes staring wildly, ana he
hands elasped tightly across her breast
r ITO be Continued.l