Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1871-01-18

counters, many morbid ideas were dispelled;
my health had improved, and had almost
| forgotten my engagement with Ethan, tho
still much together, his gentle sister Edith
being my affianced.
Our old discussions on religion were never
resumed. Ethan attended church regularly
with his family, and seemed to have forgot.
ten his infdel friend. Whether he had or
! not / cannot say. The evening before his
death was spent by ME as usual with Edith.
Ethan was present, joyous of the future. |
observed nothing uncommon in his manners
or conversation till he accompanied me to
! the door, He stood beside me looking at
the stars while lighted cigar, when, sud
| denly catching my hand he said Char
ley, all looks quiet and beautiful up there.
| hope you have not forgotten our college
compact You are strong now and will see
me out.
''Hush, Ethan - I replied, almost an
grily. ''W hat folly to talk so, you have
never had days sickness in your life ~
True, Charley, but all is not right here,
I am sure" he replied, touching his heart
in a half laughing manner; don't forget
your promise old fellow, if you are called
upon.
Love sick ?'I asked jestingly. ''All
right, will keep my promise any time
within the next fifty years. Good bye" l
continued, putting my cigar into bright
ness as shook hands with him.
| And now he was dead, and should haye
to keep my word.
spent the day at Mrs. Grey's, comfort
| ing Edith, and as she had no relatives in
the village, ordering everything for the fu
neral, which was to take place the next day.
| In my active and unaccustomed duties the
| long night yet to come was almost forgot
| ten.
The comfortable old farm house had al
ready put on a strange and forlorn look, and
each hour | more and more missed my poor
| friends cheerful voice and genial presence.
| We had the corpse in the long, dark, oak
| panneled sitting room. The coffin stood
directly before the wide old chimney, up
whose eapaeiops funnel Ethan and uore
! than one of his ancestor had shouted child
ish prayers to Santa Claus and in the blaze
! of whose roaring fires. as men and boys,
they had warmed themselves.
! 1t was quaint, comfortable old room.
At one side stood an old fashioned English
! buffet, on the other tall Dutch clock, such
as our ancestors used, which had been in
the family for geuerations-bTought over
from the old homestead when the cavaliers
first fed to Virginia, so it was said.
A few minutes past eleven [ pressed my
lips to the cheek of the still weeping Edith,
and went TO the room where the corpse lay
to commence my lonely vigil.
Restless end excited, | paced the room,
or stood silent by the body, gazing at all
that remained of poor Ethan, and allowing
memory to wander back, till the real had
passed from my physical vision and | was
living over the past. My deep reverie was
suddenly dispelled by hearing a dull heavy
thud near me on the coffin, such thud as
a clod OF earth would make if thrown upon
it. At the same moment the clock COM
| menced striking, and huge, black creature
rushed from the coffin, past me, disappear
ing through the door. Trembling, l fell
upon the chair, and sat staring at the corpse
expecting each moment to hear its voice
break the dreadful silence.
1t did not move Ghastly pale in the
dim lamplight it lay, wearing yet the smile
Ethan had died with Unable to endure
the suspense of expectation, [ rushed to
the door, determined to call some of the
servants to sit up with me.
Ali looked dark and quiet. Growing
ashamed of my terrors, [ returned to the
room, exclaiming: Ethan, will keep my
promise to you, and remain alone to meet
your spirit"
sat down resolutely and fixed my eyes
upon the corpse, determined to watch close
ly. Heavens even now | can remember
how long the minutes seemed. | could
watch their passage by the old clock stand
ing opposite me. Five went by-ten-a
half hour passed-three 9uarters-still no
movement.
Almost one clock exclaimed in a
low voice, with sigh of relief closing my
aching eyes and pressing the burning balls
with my fingers. Scarce were they closed,
when again came the dreadful blow, and as
| opened my eyes the black object darted
By, while the clock tolled one.
''God in heaven - | cried, starting up.
"Am I never again TO know rest? Is that
frightful sound to haunt me whenever | close
my eyes? Oh Eathan, dear friend, | can
not keep this frightful compact. Ifit is
your spirit striving to free itself, speak,
make some sign, tell me what shall do to
give you rest?'
No answer came from the dead lips.
also remembered that 1t had only been once
an hour that had heard this noise, and l
felt safe for a while.
Pacing backward and forward | almost
stumbled over black cat stealing into the
room. recognized the creature as pet of
Ethan's. As watched her, she walked
under the table upon which the corpse lay,
| and quietly ensconsed herself in box, evil
dentIy her bed, standing in the corner by
| the clock.
Here, thought |, with feeling of relief.