Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1874-03-05
10 DENTON'S VISION.
BY JOHN d HOLMES

10 Denton was considered an emf
nently respectable man. He hat
amassed wealth, he moved in socie
ty, patronized art and literature, was
pillar in his church, and dabbled in
politics Just enough 10 smash. the
party slate when it did not suit him.
We are not going to inquire toe
closely into JOS early history, mol
rake over the ashes of the past, nor
dig up the old stepping stones by
which he had reached his success;
they have for long years been Gov
cred up with the green turf of re
spectability; academic groves are
planted above them, the church has
liberal pleasant nook, all seeming
ly unaware of the foundation it rests
upon; and society claims the whole
az its own. Yet there a0iH he skele-
tons in the closet Of memory, if no
where elee; the ghosts Of murdered
Banquos wiH appear at times and
places inopportune; moral earth
quakes will upheave the wicked old
landmarks of sin, and bring to light
all that is hideous in mans past
life, and show, after all the covering
up. that Satan has long time held a
mortgage on his soul. and has pa
tiently bided his time for foreclosure.
In 10 Denton's case it happened in
this way:
He was accustomed, like many re-
spectacle men, to take his champagne
and toddy in company with few
congenial spirits, who together con-
stituted a "Convivisl Club"-emi,
nently high toned and respectable,
Of course. 1t was not often anybody
called for them during these orgies,
il we may so term them: but on one
occasion, when the champagne had
sparkled with unusual brilliancy until
night had stolen kiss from rosy
morning, 10 sprang from his seat
and said: Somebody calls me" and
went out Of the room. Directly there
came back an unearthly shrek, and
JOS voice, in its widest accents,
cried: Away, damnable shape! ]
cheated you out Of your property?
It's lie. you viIlain!" and in quick
succession followed two distinct re-
ports of pistol. Before his com,
panions could reach the door 10
tumbled headl0ng into the room, with
the blood streaming from his head,
and, to all appearance. dead.
Hes shot, cried all in chorus.
On searching outside nobody could
be fonnd; hut there was revolver
lying near the door.
"An assassin" cried one.
"Some old enemy!" cried another.
The police were aroused as quickly
as possible, and started in pursuit OF
the murderer. While they are
"working up the case we will fol.
low poor Jo. Can there be a doubt
in any theological mind where he
went, drunk as he was and boiling
over with the bluest of blue devilsi
Closely, then, we will follow him ai
he presents himself at the gates ol
the Internal Regions and asks ad
mittance. A demon who acted the
part Of or-keeper put his ear tt
the key-hole and demanded who wal
there.
"a friend" answered 10.
"Advance, friend, and give You
name."
"Jo Denton"
"All right" said the demon, "th'
Devil has been expecting yen fol
some time. Come right in!'
As 10 entered, bowing low, th'
demon gave q whistle of astonish
ment as he said: "Well-a-day, N,
friend, you are in sad plight; wis
has happened to your head?"
"Top blown clear off," answered
10; sand I'm afraid I'm done for, IN
less yonr folks can help me-"
"lll announce you to bis Satani