Smyrna times., 1862-02-20
A Murder Frustrated by an ExtraOr-
dinaY Dream,

u1Ady OI0d
! was a clsse student at schools young,
ambitious lad of sixteen, somewhat, homespun,
out strong in uprightness, and conscioueot pow
er. My dear father was sick, and undergoing
that metempsychosis which the shallow think
ers call death. 1t was a stormy day in Janua
ry; the snow had fallen TWO feet deep, and
started for my home, eight miles distant. My
lather had written to me that he wanted to see
me he wanted to give ne niunclions not to
forget my duties to him in the care of his wife
my mo'her. lie need not have sent it; ]
could not, never can forget him or her. HIS
desire TO see me, growing oUt of feeling that
he might at any hour pass onward" )" and to
give counsel, was natural. but not necessary.
But his slightest wish was law to me and
started for home, as have sgd on foot
Weary walk, this, trudgng in an unbroken
snow path. Before reached the door, thought
my body would tire out completely but it did
not-I accomplished it.
ate my supper, chstted awhile with ny pa-
rents, and went TO bed in my old bed room.
My father and mother | left in the kitchen,
gratiGed at my arrival. and proud of me.
| fell asleep, aWoke, arose and dressed myself,
came into the kitchen, and took seat between
my father and mother. They looked surprised,
and inquired why had left my bed
Said |, "has anybody been here since went
to bed %
"No"
Well" replied !, "there will somebody
come, and that is why have left my bed-at
least have dreamed there would, and the
dream is no allusion 10 me, but a fierce reality"
My father smiled, as if increduloGs yet
as if he asked no braver or better defender ,han
his boy.
A.
! woman, heard rap at the door, aud stepped to
1t, as | supposed, to inquire who was there. and
what was wanted, but instead opened the door,
and in came terrible gust OF wind and snow
for the night was hideous-and with them
marched in woman.
She walked half way from the door to the
fire, when she discovered me, aud evidently
took her aback by my presence. | saw the
creature in my dream. | knew that was des
tined to a struggle, and | grew in strength az
| looked at my dear father and mother She
took a chair, turned her back to the fire, and
seated herself in the shadow. kept my seat
and appeared to give no attention TO her.
g" Who are you % inquired my father.
"What is that to you !" said she.
" Everything, fyou are to stay in my house
nothing, if you are not" ...
"What il | do not answer you!"
"then you must leave my houee."
"Leave the house ~, exclaimed she "
should like 10 see any one here try to put m,
out"
"Whe, il I call my man, and throw you ou,
neck and heels!"
"yOu have not any man; they are all gOn
home"
p How do you knew!"
, glanced at my father. Ele was pale. bu
his courage ebbed not aSWhlt. He, he'll Ples
= not able TO get out of bis chair, surmlsed strang
3 occurrences, for he had received not less tina
. 81 500 that very week. for large wheat sale
d and he saw what was before him. The ha
: was either decoy or a man in disguise, who's
" object was robbery. ]. could see that all th
} was rapidly passing through my fathers minC
! bat it did not bow him the ninth part of a
g inch. So sat still. | suspected nothing bt
!, a war of words. The hag had an old quite
cloak, which re cached 10 her feet, and was bel
ed about the waist.
g you are womap = said my father.
II 'Of course l am what do you ask me th'
D. question for !
=. Have you husband =
yes
rs where does he live"
= In Truxten.' .-t-s
i "Well, then; if yos have husband. why
a ytu not live OF home. instead OF gaddIng abe
j.. such night as this, fit only for fends TO
abroad
at .Why don't you set The North River on fire
of said she, leapng from her chair, and springiI
ce toward my father, at the back side Of my cha
and hissing through her teeth: I'm tea
you why am here
~ MY mother screamed and run; my faith
he made an Intellectual attempt to get out OF 1
Y. way, but instantly yielded, resolved to Ia
Dir what awaited him; and was out Of my seat
.e, quck as the hag, and as che passed O0 her "
as to grspple with my father, l struck her wi
sst my fist blow under the ear, which. but
re. her old cotton hood, would have knocked
nd down. As il was, it staggered her, and ga
IN. me time 10 get the chairs out Oi the way, a
70. gather fer a fight.
nd She recovered and looked at me for n
or ment, then said, as in a solioquy
uc. 'Oh, you choose 10 cross my path, do 20
in- Well. see il | done settle you pretty quickl
ne, and thrustiug her baad into her cloak mads
Get motion as II she would draw a dagger.
on. The motion maddened me, and il broul
es' foam to my lips. struck her half doi
lily blows as quick as lightning. She let
we, dagger &C. and clinched me. Her grip sa
!. fed me that had found my match, aye. me
= a in utrenUth and that INV ekiig as a boxer.