True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-08-04
n RAGAN, Editor and Proprietor.
clusions, being drawn from false premises
are utterly worthless'

cluslons, being drawn from false premises
are utterly worthless
"This discussion was kept up more OF
less for several days during which time
| was, as usual, frequently appealed to
for my opinion; till finally proposed as
means Of getting rid Of the subject, or
at least Of changing the monotonous round
Of argument, that we should pay a visit
to The astrologer, and hear what he had
TO say for himself. To this both agreed;
and the next morning, at an early hour,
we found ourselves in his august presence,
Of what country he was native,
do not know. He was man of middle
height, with very dark complexion, and
features no way remarkable, except for a
certain classic severity of expression, as
one who had studied deeply and thought
deeply in asceiic seclusion. He was
dressed in black. and the apartment in
which he received US was richly furnished
the latter, with the exception perhaps
of being rather heavy and gloomy cast,
differing not materially from the reception
room Of gentleman of leisure. There
was nothing about either the man or hi;
apartment tending in any degree to fan.
tastic trickery, for the mere purpose ol
awing, or deeply impressing the vulga
mind all was rich, substantial, quiet, bu
sombre and Professor Fontinelli, as ht
styled himself, received us with dignifet
courtesy of a vell-bred gentleman.
"We have come sir, to have our for
tunes told said Mr. Russell, with mod
est air, thus opening the conversation ant
declaring our business at the same time.
"With one exception said l., 'whicl
is myself | have no desire to know tn,
future any faster than it comes
"'And |. rejoined Saliva tor, bringing
with me that skeptical mind which doe
not believe it can be told any faster tha
it comes
"It is perfectly immaterial 10 me, re
piled the astrologer, whether you believe
or not. If | tell you truth, you can
when you discover it to be truth, do mi
the justice TO say it was truth / told you
i'll tell you falsehood, say it a was false
hood, and pronounce me an impostor'
"Well, that is fair, at all events
laughed the Spaniard; the only thing
fear being that | may some time or othe
be in a condition 10 apply truthful epi
thet, which would sound very pleasant II
your ear just now
Fontinelli darted at the speaker
keen, searching glance; and, after mo
mcnt of silence, rejoined, with most i'm
press.Ve solemnity:
"And only fear young man, that yol
will never have occasion to gainsay m,
wordsl Are you ready for putting me t
the test r.
"Perfec.ly sir!' answered the Spaniard
but believe my friend here is the mos
anxious, and the first privilege shall bis
unless you proceed with both together
which suppose is no! according to rule!
"'One at time returned the Profes
sor |; and turning to the Englishman, h
requested him TO enter the room adjoining
Russell arose, but with some little irepi
dation, which brought smile to the fea
lures Of the unbelieving Salvador, an,
accompanied the astrologer into hi
private apartment. He was absent som,
thing like an hour, during which time th
Spaniard kept up running fire Of railery
sometimes initiating the air and manne
of the astrologer, and taking very ludi
crous view OF the whole affair. Whel
the Engishman at length came forth, W.
perceived that his features were some
what paler-thougb on the whole h
seemed very well pleased with what h
had heard, every word Of which he belle
we'd to be as true as the prophecies an,
gospels he SO often quoted.
"'Well, what wonderful things.did b
tell your inquired Salvador, with quiz
zical expression of countenance. 'Di,
he tell you you were a small man, wit
light hair and wonderful believing mind
one that would swallow ghost story al
easily as mathematician would solve q
problem 2
1tis your turn now replied Russell
somewhat curtly; 'and SO suppose 20,
60 and see for yourself!
"'I should like to wager basket Q
wine with YOU returned the Spaniard, a
he rose and advanced toward the door
that for every fact he will give me min
falsehoods, as exceptions to the rule o.
which his wisdom is founded l. I'M
"During the absence Of Salvador, Rus
sell gave mea description Of the solemn
chamber Of fate, with its crimson arras
hieroglyphic table, and silver lamp, whic
threw its light upon the stern. asceti
features Of the great astrologer, as he ben
over his horoscope, and calculated viii
mathematical precision the movements 0
the planets which were 10 determine III
great events Of his life, and the order Q
their occurrence, He then went on /
state, one after another, the wise prognos
tications Of the star reader, and was thu
engaged when The Spaniard rsappeared
n bis lip curling with sneer To our in
Y quiries as to what he bad gathered .
wisdom, be replied with an expression 9
contempt,
Il 'aW sRahi "A ,u h,,k fin,a vvaegod ond r,o