Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-01-31

from which, at the touch of their white, del
icate fingers, proceeded the enchanting music.
AS the train moved along opposite the place
of her concealment, and just they swept
| away off again in the direction of the city,
| one OF the forms quickly separated from the
rest, and, with smile, approached the f1owery
knoll.
s'Sister;" said the form, in q sly, calling
voice and wheeling, sped away again after
her companions, her long ringlets of black,
glossy hair flowing in the breeze.
Vertitia looked-sprung to her feet'-tried
to peak,-tried to fly after her, but not word
could she articulate-not limb could she
move and with these efforts-a,coke.
"Och, it's all Dream" said Vertitia, as
she sat thinking of the strange sight ;-'.but
then it uas Fiducia; it certainly was,-and
d'nt she call me Sister, too! But how did
she know 1 was there ?-How queer!' and
she sprung to her feet, to carry the glad news
to her father.
Just as she rose, and looked up, she saw a
hdeous monster standing only q few PAGES
from her side.
SsPoor Vertitia! she screamed, and threw
up her hands, and would have fled, affrighted,
into the house, but the monster stood directly
in the narrow walk,-the only egress from the
arbor. And she sank back again in her seat,
trembling with horror.
'sTimid as q fawn, eh foolish girl 80 said
the monster, in voice that greatly be-lied its
looks.
Fertitia, after moment, ventured to raise
her eyes, with view to making her escape,
when, lo,-before her stood one of the most
beautiful, smiling creatures she had ever be-
held. Still would she have fed, but a,olc,
alas she felt spell-bound to the spot, nor was
she able, with all her efforts, to take her yes
from off it.
''It's all cheat "a le,-a delusion,'' said
the no,c beautiful creature, in the most mild
winning voice.
Again did poor Fertitia make an effort to
rise, and fee-but in vain
s.They would cheat you out of all your pleas
ures, and make life a misery to you,'' contin-
ued the creature, in the same sweet, mild
voice.
ssWhat:-whati'' exclaimed Vertitia wildly.
'.This new faith,-this life tccome. It's all
q moonshine- nonsensei'' said the creature.
80 didn't l see her-see her just a little
ago and doesn't my dear sister lire live,
too, in that strange, happy place ?'' said Yer
titia, in quick earnest voice, as if the vera
city Of her sensitive nature had been insulting
ly questioned.
ola! hai-'ires yes, may be,-to be
sarc hut then not whit better off than if
she had served the idols Of Rome, and siped
the pleasures of the world. Foolish girl It's
all happiness-all heaven hereafter and why
not live, every one, as they list? That is to
say, if folks--.
Here the smooth speech of the speaker was
cut short, by a rustling noise in the dusky air
above the arbor; and at the sound of which
the beautiful creature was instantly re-trans-
formed into the hideous monster, and with a
horrid grin and quick, loud gnash of the
teeth. sunk straitway into the earth, and dis
appeared.
Vertitia, like Il bird, released from the fow-
ler'S snare, or the serpent's charm, sped along
the narrow walk, and, in moment, was in
the house.
80, father! he told me it was all cheat-a
lie-a delusion that l was foolng away my
Pleasures exclaimed Vertitia, as she rushed
wildly into the hall, and stood before her faith
er-trembling, and deadly pale.
ssWho ?-1Vhat told you - said Valens, in
astonishment.
mething-somebody, Il do mt know who
or what 1t was. 1t stood in the walk right be-
fore me at first, frightful-looking then,
all at once, it became so bright and beautiful,
and had such kind, sweet voice o! Iwon-
der if it was mt angel :" said Vertitia quick
ly, her eyes still staring with fright
s<fes!- fallen angel !-himseF the very
father Of lies. Beware, my daughter, It was
your adversary, the Devil. He would cheat
you out of the life to come,-ruin you in soul
and body forever that his business, depend
upon it, and busy Devil he is,' said Valens
in voice that showed no very good to-
wards the person spoken of.
'.But he seemed so beautiful, father; and
had such a smooth, nice way of saying things,
it's queer he doesn't appear himself on such
business said Vertitia, thinkingly.
ssIf he did'n want to dsceire, so he possibly
would; but he transforms himself into an an
gel of light. and then lures US by his honeyed
words and fattering assurances. Thus he be-
guiled the common mother OF US all, and
brought ali our sin and misery upon us,'' said
Valens, looking up earnestly at his daughter.
s:Noir 1 see, father; he was trying to de-
ceiye me s'O Pm so glad you told me,-I'll
know how to treat him now, should he ever
show himself again.
EsYou may Oft encounter his assaults, my