Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1855-02-01

tndt SucccSueu IOr the atlcnGantS once heard
a frenzied shout, and rushing into the room.
found Roderick likeness upon the floor
He was kept but little longer under re-
straint After minute investigation, the
medical directors of the asylum decided that
his mental disease mid not mount to insanity,
nor would warrant his confinement; especial
lyas its influence upon his spirits was unfayor-
able, and might produce the evil which it was
meant to remedy. His cccentricities were
doubtless at-he had habitually violated
many of the customs and prejudices of socie-
ty; but the world was not, without surer
ground, entitled to treat him as a madman.
On the decision of such competent authority,
Hoderick was released, and had returned TO
his native city the very day before his incoun-
ter with George Herkimer.
As soon as possible, after learning these
particulars, the sculptor, together with sad
and tremulous companion, sought Elliston at
his own house. 1t was large, solnbre edi-
flee of wood with pilasters and balcony, and
was divided from one of the principal streets
by a terrace of three elevations, which was
ascended by successive flights of stone steps
Some immense old elms almost concealed the
front Of the mansion This spacious and once
magnificent family residence was built by
graf1dee of the race early in the past century,
at which epoch, land being of small compara-
tive value, the garden and other grounds had
formed quite an extensive domain. Although
portion of the ancestral heritage had been
slfenated there was still shadowy enclosure
in the rear Of the mansion, where student,
or dreamer, or man of stricken heart,
might lie all day upon the grass, amid the
solitude of murmuring boughs, and forget
that city had grown up around him.
81 Il, IL g.
companion were ushered by Scipio, the old
black servant, whose wrinkled visage grew
almost sunny With intelligence and Joy, as he
paid his humble greetings to one of the two l
visiters,
g Remain in the arbor," whispered the
sculptor to the figure that leaned upon his
arm; :. you will know whether to make your
appearance"
q God viii teach me-" was the reply
% May he support me too !"
Roderick was reclining on the margin of a
fountain. which gushed into the Aeckercd sun
shine with the same clear sparkle, and the
same voice Of airy quietude, as when trees of
primevd growth flung their shadows across
its bosom How strange is the life of foun-
tain-born at every moment, yet of an age
ceeyal vito the rocks, and far surprising the
venerable antiquity Of forest
g You are comet have expected you"
said Elliston, when he became aware of the
seulptor's presence.
His manner was very different from that
of the preceding day-quiet, courteous, and,
as Herkimer thought, watchfuI both over his
guest and himself The unnatural restraint
was almost the only trait that betokencd any
thing aniiss He had just thrown book up
on the grass, where it lay half opened, thus
disclosing itself TO be natural history of the
serpent tribe, illustrated by life-like plates.
Near it lay that bulky volume, the Doctor
Dubitantum of Jeremy Taylor, full of cases of
conscience and in which most men, possessed
of a conscience, may find something applica-
bic to their purpose.
s.You see, observed Elliston, pointing to the
book of serpents. while a smile cleaned up
on his lips, :. | am makingan effort to become
better acquainted with my bosom friend /; but
1 fad nothing satisfactory in this volum- If
mistake not, he viii prove to be sai generis,
and akin to no other reptile in creation"
ss Whence come this strange calamity - /
inquired the sculptor so
=. NY sable friend, Scipic, has story re-
piled Roderick, ssof snake that has lurked
in this fountain-pure and innocent asitl looks
ever since il was known to the first settlers
This insinuating parsonage once crept into the
yitals of my great grandfather, and dwelt
there many years, tormenting the old gentle
man beyond mortal endurance. In short, it
is family peculiarity. But, to tell you the
truth, i have no faith in this idea of the
snakes being an heir-loom. He is my OVID
snake, and no mans else
But what was his origin?" demanded
HeriSimer.
.s0h there is poisonous stuff in any mans
heart, sufficient to generate a brood of ser
pents," said Elliston, with hollow laugh
!. You should have heard my homilics TO the
good towns people Positively, deem my
self fortunate in having bred but single ser
pent You, however, have none in your
bosom, aad, therefore, cannot sympathize
with the rest of the world. 1t gnaws me-
1t gnaws nie. - ssse
With this exclamation, Roderick lost his
self control and threw himself upon the grass,
testifying his agony bv intricate writings in
which Herkilner could not but fancy a resenl-
blance to the motions of snake Then, like
wise, was heard that frighlful hiss. which Of
ten ran through the sufferers speech, and
crept within the words and syllables, without
interrupting their succession,
This is awful, indeedw exclaimed the
SCULPTOR; can awful iufiction, whether it be
actuaI or imaginary len Mes ieoueiich Ell
liston. is there any remedy for this loathsolne
evil II"
sssYes, but an impossible ene," muttered
Roderick,. as he lay wallowing with his face
in the grass q Could [, for one instant, for
get myself, the serpent might not abide with
in me. 1t is my diseased contemplation that
has engeHdered and .lourished himIr'
q Then forget yourself, my husband. !" said
gentle voice above him forget yourself in
the idea Of another p