Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-10-06
A "a
G9ett< 8'teres#tt.
THE DREAM
OR. THE FINGER OF PROVIDENCE.
CHAPTER II.-(coNcLuDED)

CHAPTER H.-(coNcLuDED9 |
Mr.. Forester listened to Walton's mar
rative with the greatest interest. II
"Perhaps," added Walton, You are m
clined to think that yield too easily to
influences of childish credulity, since am
unable to bauish n mere dream from my
mind, bat have contended in vain against
my feelings /
"By no means, my dear sir" replied |
Mr.. Forester, earnestly, after few mo
ments' silence. a should pity the man
who could Immediately shake off the
impression produced by such dream as
this; ; IN my opinion it would be far
stronger proof of presumptuons Needless
ness than of rational incredulity. From
that, which IN common language goes by
the name of superstition, we aIe both free,
| think. The vividness of your dream,
and the resemblance which the spot to
which you were led, bore to that seen IN
your slutnber, are so remarkable, that in
my opinion it is our imperious duty to in>
vestgate it farther. Yet, as secrecy may
be of the greatest Importance in this case,
VIC will admit no one into our confidence.
This very night, if you think proper, we
will 60 to that place; if, on farther inves-
tigation, we find any thing that confirms
the facts indicated by your dream, VIC will
reflect carefully as to the course which we
would then pursue"
In consequence of this arrangement as
soon as evening had given place to night,
and but few scattered lights were seen
cleaning from the windows of the village,
Mr.. Forester and Walton started upon
their way. There was no moon, but the
stars sent down their beams from cloud
less sky. 1t was about midnight when
they reached that by-path.
During the afternoon Walton had pro-
vided the necessary implements he now
pointed out the spot which he had seen in
task. They had toiled for more than an
hour, seldom allowing themselves mo
Eent's rest, and exchanging a few words
in a whisper, when Walton's spade struck
against some obstacle; he suffered the full
light ofthe lantern to fall upon the ground
and after short scrutiny, he exclaimed
"Gracious heaven all is true then il
is no illusion y
He leaned for support against Mr.. For
roster, pointing to the ground, where the
remains of human body were visible.
The two men stood for few moment,
beside the vawning grave, in the deepest
agitation. 1t was evident that a darh
deed had been committed here. This spo
had been witness to murder, the groan
of a dying man had echoed here, followed
by the stiffness. of death. Years mus
have rolled by since then; wrapped in th
dark mantle of night, the murderer ha;
consigned his victim to the cold and silen
earth No mortal eye had seen the deed
no mortal ear had heard the quick throb
bing pulses of the murderer, as he glance
shyly around, his eye falling at interval
upon the earth, where lay the victim Q
his fury. But seldom had human fee
trodden the solitary unfreqnented path
the wandering Indian alone reared hi
tent at times beneath the aged oak, en-
ticed by the safe secluson of the spot
For many year the flowers had exhale
their perfume over the unsuspected grave
but the eye of that Holy Being whic
never slumbers nor sleeps, had beheld th
accursed deed, had recorded it in his bool
and now at the self same hour, in th
SlOOm duu eCllluoSS VI LHo ulSllW lut x ld'
gave up its dead, and the secret was re
vealed. ... ....
"Fightful! frightful " exclaimed Wa
ton, tie fearful deed, has indeed bee
committed, then-and b. whom? Oh
the thought is horriblep
ain truth the affair is asystrange as
is frghtful," remarked Mr.. Forester, ell
deavoring to soothe the emotion whic
disturbed himself as well as his companion
"but we must take courage. He, VIII
has SO wonderfully brought this deed ,
light, purposes, doubtless, merciful en-
thereby; we will trust, therefore in Hin
and be assured, that He will guide OF
steps Alright" ..
In trembling haste, they filled up tt
grave, and returned to the village.
considerable time had passed during Il
performance OF their task, and before til.
reached home the night had disappearc
t o sky was bathed in the light of the r
sing sun; the earth bestrewn with dew
diamonds, ,sparkled in the light of the frien
ly orb, the flowers nwaked from their slur
Der, cahaled a fresher perfume, aud son
. of JOY echoed from every thicket.
BY this time they had reached the ga
Of the parsonage; they entered, and
Forester led Walton into his study HI
the latter gave free course to his emoti,