Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1867-01-12

brethren renewed eacn ObneT at the H.
ter; and while the voices of the priests
aud the choir echoed among the dim
arches of the cathedral, the fragrant
smoke of incense rose aloft and perva-
.ded the place.
''But in spite of the holy influences,
OF the prayers, and the solemn respon-
SEES, and the tones of the great organ,
strange, most unearthly sounds were
heard, at intervals, minghng discOrd-
antly with the sacred services. GrOans
and smothered cries resounded through
the vacant corridors, and among the
pillared arches, or rang wildly from be-
meath the floors, and about the fretted
corniees and entablatures of the great
building.
s'None could tell whence the fearful
noises proceeded; and We, who otficiated
at the altar, in vain endeavored to pen
citrate the mystery. Still they contin-
ued through the day time, often inter
ruptlng our prayers by their hooking
groans and laughter; and at night,
there were added other disturbances,
mysterious lights and Hastings, as of
mimic lightenings, and rushing sounds
as of strong winds sweeping around
the walls.
"This was evidently the work of evil
spirits, for our united efforts, and even
the exhibition of the holy relics, failed
to exercise their disturbances. Some
of our brethren declared the place was
possessed by devils, who had come to
claim the soul of the departed tyrant;
and refused to risk their own beyond
II A. - Il
the holy emblems that surmOunted it.
Some even declared it an offence against
Heaven to longer offer prayers for the
repose of the wicked, restless spirit,
which the angels had, doubtless, re-
signed to the keeping of Satan. But
some of us determined, whatever might
be the result, we would not yet abandon
the soul of E7 Deftnat0; but would con-
tinue to pray for it till the end of the
appointed time.
At length, the long three months had
nearly passed by; and the twelfth week
had almost terminated. The diabohcal
sights and sounds became each day
more uncomfortable, till finally none were
left TO fulfill the duties of the alter, but
padre Garcia and myself. The breth-
rem had, one by one, been discouraged
from their holy officer, within the
church, and preferred to offer their
prayers each in his dormitory, or within
the chapel of the convent, where they
were unpursued by the frightful sounds
that continued to haunt the place, where
was sepulcbred the body of the depart
ed Dictator.
''But on the last night of the prOba-
ton, even the brave aud piOus padre
Garcia, could endure it no longer; and
/ was left alone at the altar. The choir
had long since been silent; = but ON this
last night, had prevailed upon two
fearless lay brothers and the Organist,
to remain and assist in the concluding
services.
''The night was a gloomy and moon
less one; and the wax tapers about the
altar, shed only light enough TO make
visible the darkness o. the vacant nave
and nrched corridors. The sounds
which had pursued us so long, were no
longer heard; but at intervals, those
same flashing lights occurred, and iu-
stead Of the sweet fragrance of the
smoking censeTs, a sulphury stencil per-
vaded the sacred precincts.
''The hours glided slowly along; and
L read aloud the appropriate prayers;
and as / gave utterance to the solemn
chants, was joined by the plaintive notes
of the organ, accompanied by the re-
spOnses of the lay brothers.
Eat length, the last prayer was ut
ered;-the last response was said;-
and as the last, lingering notes of the
organ echoed through the place, the
great clock in the tower, pealed out the
strokes of midnight. / had moved
away from the altar, and approached
the door of the sacristy;-and as the
eleventh stroke was sounding, entered
the room, leaving the church in entire
solitude. Then came the last note of
the belI;-but with it, there burst upon
nv startled ears,one of the most fright
ful, unearthly yells of mingled laughter
and execration; and III the next instant,
a terrific explosion, as II pent up volca-
no rOared through the vaulted arches of
the church and made the old walls
tremble to their foundations. This
was followed by chrashing sound, as
if the great roof had fallen IN upon the
nave and high altar.
Il fell senseless to the floor, and so
remained till the return of day, when l
was recalled to consciousness by padre
Garcia, who was sprinkling my face
with holy water.
Together we entered the body of the
church, but were horror struck by the
sight that met our eyes. The ruins of
our beautiful altar. strewed the place;
but the tomb, aud the body that had
been sepulchred beneath had disap-
peared foreverl Satan had claimed his
olCn,-ia spite Of oar Osses,-dnd had
borne off az his clutches the body and soul
Of FL DsfuntO!"