Eastern times., 1856-04-24
Gge storp Gtllrr
From the Philadelphia American Courier.
P r ES E N tt M E N 7
The Triple Warning.

on the subject of supernatural premoniton OF
coming evil, was forcbly reminded of
most extraordinary incident which happened
many years ago in a branch of my fathers
family. For the truth of the narrative can
vouch, as it was related by a person of ur::
questionable veracity, who had the facts from
the lady's own lips.
Mr. James Kettell was, believe, second
or third cousin Of my father, country gentle
man of ample fortune, good family and liberal
education, residing on his own estate, about
forty or fifty miles from the city of Dublin.
His wife was his equal in all respects, intelli-
gent, we'll informed, and possessing strength
of character that raised her above all suspicion
of harboring in her breast any of the vulga.
supersti,ious prejudices of her country, in fa-
vor of GHOSTS spirits or 'banshees.'
Mr.. Ket,ell had been married but a short
time when business of importance called him
to the city, and his wife decided on accompa-
nying him. These were not the days of
steamboats, or railroads, and the journey was
rather formidable one, owing TO the state of
the roads and the season of the year, it being
near Christmas. They made the greater part
of the way in their own carriage, and the re-
mainder they intended to accomplish by means
of the canal boat, a common method of travel
ing at the time, Late in the evening they ar
rived at the inn of the village whence they
were TO take the boat at four O'Clock next
morning A good supper was speedily placed
before the hungry travellers, and having par
taken of it and being very much fatigued, they
retired TO rest soon after, first giving the land
lord strict iniunctions TO call them precisely at
half-past three Mrs. Kettell, being very
weary, was soon fast asleep, but she did not
enjoy her rest long. Scarcely had she slum-
bered two hours ere she awoke in a state of
the most painful sgitation and terror, calling
aloud on her husband TO save her. The latter
anxiously inquired what was the mattert
'Oh! James, she replied, in trembling
voice, shank God, it was only dream but
oh 2 she continued, with shudder, and press
ing her hand on her heart 10 still its throbbing,
what a frightful dream have had reality
itself could hardly be more horrible. ldream-
ed that lock on the canal had burst, and that
we and all on board were drowning, struggling
with and beating against the black surging
waiers-their roaring is still in my ears, min
gled with the shrieks of the dying, and their
agonizing cries for help
Upon my word, my DEAR returned her
husband, 'if those in your dream screamed out
as loudly as you did just now, don't wonder
that your fancy is so wildly impressed; but
self to sleep again, and think no more of these
terrible faucies; most likely you have had the
nightmare, caused no doubt by eating too
hearty supper, combined with unusual ia
tiguc.'
Mrs. Kettell endeavored to follow her hus-
bands advice, and after some time she fell in
to slumber.
She was not destined, however, TO enjoy
her -epose long. A second time she Weakened
up in a state of even greater terror than before,
caused by recurrence of the frightful dream
Her husband, seeing her distress, tried every
means to sooihe her agitation; and Mrs. ket-
tell, making strong effort to subdue her emo
tion, once more lay down TO rest.
Vain was the hope of repose. A third time
was she reused from slumber by repetition
Of the dreadful dream, with all its narrowing
details.
INV dear husband she now said, sit is
useless for you to try and reason with me; l
cannot conquer the dreadful conviction that
this thrice-repeated dream forebodes some ter
rible calamity, and is sent as warning. Oh!
do not, pray you, persist in continuing the
tourney, for she continued, bursting into
fears, Il have a strong presentiment, such as
never had before, that something terrible will
happen; in short, that this horrible dream will
be realized
MARY, my DEAR replied her husband,
gravely, Il am surprised that you should yield
TO such foolish, superstitous fears; but since
YOU feel so reluctant to proceed, you had bet
Ter return home in the morning with the car
riape. As to myself, must 60 on to Dublin,
for nv business is important, and will admit
of no delay but relieve your mind of anxiety
on my account. pledge you my word that
shall take the precaution of getting out ant
walking every lock in so doing | shall be ex
empt from all danger, if any such fatality al
you anticipate should occur. You know wei
that when make a promise, keep it, so yor
must not be in the least uneasy about me; and
furthermore, the moment arrive at my jour
ney's end, l shall write to inform you of my
safety
So it was arranged. Mr.. Kettell proceeded
on his way to the city, and Mrs. kettell re
turned home early next morning.
The servants were not little surprised a
the unexpected arrival Of their mistress, bu
the plea of sudden indisposition was suficien
TO account for it; nor was the plea mer
pretext, for fatigue of body and violent agita
tion of mind had made her really unwell.
Mrs. Kettell passed the day in state o
nervous inquietude, and looked forward witt
.rrrohar.;o, a. the annroach ~ aveninr faar