Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1855-01-25

slightly bent. He was a stern looking man,
his brow was wrinkled with IA perpetual
fTown, and his voice harsh and grating.
Among the guests assembled were Col. Pow
ell, his daughter ant Waldeck. Amelia was
an unwilling reyeler in the gay scene; devo-
ton to her father alone made her consent to
join in such festivities. She was still beau
tiful, still the belle of the town, but her heart
was gloomy, and her spirit crushed. 1t was
| only by strong effort Of the will, that she
appeared not wholly Indifferent 10 the gayety
which surrounded her. Wadeck was as at
tentiye as ever, lowering near her at every op-
portunity.
At each suspension Of the dance, the aStrol-
oger was in gTeat demand. With a mixture
of dry humor and stern reserve in his manner,
he reloted past histories, nd predicted future
destires. He needed not the merry peals Of
laughter which often follnwed his revelations;
his whole attention was absorbed in the pTac-
tice of his art. After supper, Colonel Powell
with his daughter leaning on his arm, aud fol-
lowed by Walteck, re-entered the hall which
was comparatively empty. The renowned
necromancer stood near the centre of the spa
cous floor, with his arms folded, gazing in
tently at the ceiling of the room.
| "Let US consult the aStTologer," suggested
|
"By all MEANS" added Waldeck. "No
doubt he has our future destiny at his tongues
end"
Amelia tactly consented, and the party ap-
! preached the old PerS IAN, who deigned not 10
withdraw his eyes from the ceiling until ad-
dressed.
"Come, Mr.. Ast.Olabe, let us hear your
sage predictions concerning our past and lu-
ture," said Col Powell.
i The old man started, and with profound
salam, asked the officer for his hand. In his
shriIl, harsh tones, he related TO Col. Powell
the incidents of his life. ASonisLed and
chagrined to hear his life thus m;nuiely laid
bare, he withdrew his hand and Waldeck pre-
sented his.
aha p exclaimed the magician, as he ex-
amined the lines, and then cast q piercing
: glauce into his face.
| "Well, old cpnjuror, what do you see p"
said Waldeck, as he observed the sudden start
f OF Rahab.
Drawing the goldsmith close 10 him, ana
placing the left hand upon The crown Of his
f head, while the right s.Ilt retained the hand
!, of Waldeck, he whispered in his ear:
Il "Thtre is blOod in the past Z"
Waldeck sprung from him as though bitten
by viper.
"What is the matter 7" asked Col. Powell
"Nothing, nothing" answered Wadeck,
erdeavoring to appear unconcerned, while his
face was CHASTITY pale, and his knees trembled.
eco on with your story then, old man, speak
> SO all can heat" r-. -.-.. .."
| ''lt is all nonsense. ] want no more of it,
1t will do very well 10 frghten children"
E said Waldeck, with forced laugh.
e Children OF large growth, | should
think" said Colonel Powell, with smile
! "Come, Amelia. give him your hand"
! Amelia presented her h, nd, and the con iu-
ror took 1t. 1t was fair hand, and the old
man might have been excused fer the gentle
pressure he bestowed upon it. Turning his
eyes from the palm he Lad for moment re-
r garded with intense scrutiny, he gazed into
her face. Amelia was struck with his air
: and the apparent interest with which he view
ed her. That gentle pressure of her hand
2 seemed no part of the con urer's trade, and
her attention was riveled upon HIM.
"Fair maiden, would not remind you of
\ happier days." said he, in a lower tone than
, he was wont 10 speak, "but you ask tfe Sc
& cretS of my art, and you must have them"
z "Speak out, sir, | fear not to hear all ;" re-
plief Amelia, with a smile of encouragement.
E "You have been crossed in love-"
Amelia started, and her father would have
drawn her away.
"GooD," said she, nS her pale cheek lighted
a up with crimson TINT.
\ "Your former lover was cast Off for crime
OF which he is innocent.
"Speak louder old man," interrupted Col.
Powell, approaching nearer.
"The future" continued the old man, heed
less Of the interruption, "is bright. You will
marry him who stands by your Slde."
"Bravo % shouted Colonel Powell. "ThiS
+. is most wonderful man. say, Mr.. Rahab-
ben-able, do you happen to know where any
valuable gold mine is located Give me the
particulars, and you shall have half the prof
p, its.'
, "But the conjurer needed not the ColonePs
! jest.
"PerhapS your list of sciences does not en-
brace geology" continued Colonel Powell.
"Aye, the secrets OF the earth are known
10 me-" replied the old man in solemn tone
The music now..Summoned TIE dancers 10 the
| floor; aud Waldeck was obliged 10 leavethe
, party and meet his engagements with lady.
, The c0njurer retired 10 corner Of the
room, followed by Colonel Powell and bis
daughter, who declined in joining in the next
dance. ..,
al have lost a ring, Rahab," said Amelia
with smile, and willing 20 prolong the ad-
venture, "can you tell me where it is o.
81 can, lady. 1t was a valuable ring, as
well as curiouSly wrought one. 1t belonged
$ to y0uI mother, for whose sake, you esteem il
more highly than all the riches ofearth."
Z "l do, do" exclaimed Amelia, forgetting
in her interests, the juggling trade Of the man
t who addressed her.
"But where is il, old man % asked Colonel
I Powell, iorgetful as was his daughter, Of The
J circumstances OF the interview.
; To the aStoniShmenL Of the 'officer and his
e daughter, the astrUloger related all the cir
tcumstances under which the ring had been
lost.
; 1.-The murdered man removed the ring before
his disappearance" said he, as he concluded
S wonderful statement.
! "Where is itthen?"
al cannot tell without consulting the starS2"
; "Well, my man,, here are the stars; look
Y out this window and tell us all about it," said
4 the Colonel reminded by this mention of a
. trick OF the craft, that astrology was ode.
iunct science" ,-
g without my astrolabel" said the old man,
: looking into the officers face with glance SC
D innocentas 10 half convince him that the aslro-
logger was "no humbug" after all. 81 will
n make calculation tonight, and shall. be able
7 10 answer your question Tomorrow" ul..
: "Cononel Powell, lady in the drawing
: room desires 10 see you, =" said waiter 10 The