The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-10-23

IDENTIFY dreamlng-ior, although there were
few disjointed words here and there pro-
nounced, he still slept soundly.
Gradually his articulation became more
distinct and his couatenance animated, but
his eyes were closed. | became much inter
ested, for this was the first instance OF
talking in his sleep had ever witnessed.
watched him. A CLEAN Of joy and pleasure
plsy ed around his well-formed mouth, while
the few inartIculate sounds he uttered resem-
bled distant shouts Of youthful glee. Gra'
dually the tones became connected senten-
ces ; care aud anxiety at times came over his
countenance in hesrt-touching language he
bade farewell to bis parent and the beloved
scenes Of his youth large drops OF moisture
stole from under his closed eyelids. The
transitions Of his mind were so quick that it
required my utmost attention to follow them
but | never heard such true elOquence as
came from this dreamer. | have seen moss
of the performers Of our modern stage, and
appreciated their talents, but what at that
time witnessed in the actIngs Of genuine Da-
ture surpassed all their efforts.
Gradually the shades of innocence depart
ed frem bis countenance, his Language be-
came adulterate1 by slang phrases and his
me shudder. lie showed that he was fami-
liar with the worst of company care and
anxiety gradually crept over bis countenance
--he had, it semed, commenced a system OF
fraud upon his employers and been detected;
grief and despair threw ever him their fright
full shadows; pale and detected he pleaded
for mercy, for the sake Of his father, in the
most ablect terms. He now spoke with en-
Il
ions in jail but hope had fed, and q shame
ful death seemed TO bim inevitable.
His trial came on. He proceeded to court
his lips appeared pale and psrched-a con-
vulsive quiver agitated the lower muscles OF
his face and neck-he seemel to breathe
with dfficulty-his head sank lower upon
the hand that supported it-he had been
condemned-he was in his solitary cell-his
murmurs breathed repentance and devotion
his suferings appeared to be so intense
that large drops of perspiration stood upon
his forehead-he was engaged with the cler-
gyman preparing for death. Remembering
what had suffered in my own dreams, /
resolved to awake him, and, to do so, gave
the arm that lay upon the table &c ntle tap.
A shudder passed over his frame and he fell
upon the floor.
All that have narrated had accurred in
a space of time remarkably short rose to
lift him to his seat, and make al apology for
the surprise | had given him but he was
quite unconscious. The noise of his fall had
alarmed the landlady, who, with several Of
the guests, entered as | was STOPPING with
him in my arms, attempting to raise him.
was so much shocked when found the state
he was 10, that let him drop, and reooiling
back in horror, exclaiming, "Good God l
hsYe killed him Send for q surgeon" The
idea that had endssvored to awake him in
an improper time came with strong convic-
ton upon me, and forced the words out Of
my mouth.
They raised him up and placed him on his
seat. | could not offer the smallest assist
ance. Every effort was used to restore him
in vain, and a surgeon sent for, but life had
fe1. During all this time | had remained
in a stupor of mind suspicion fell upon me
that ] had murdered him. | had been alone
with him and was seen STOPPING over the
body when they entered. and my exclama-
tion at the time and my confusion at the
time, and my confusion, were all construed
as sure tokens of nv guilt. | was strictly
guarded until a coroner'S inquest could be
be held upon the body.