The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1881-10-06

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II ~ ! dAsk 80 sspsu,v nleht h
l75t. Tho Win6 vhlDoaod t6aoqSh ~
Otroe1D e BoDtea with .0oh9aning
fury, and -ths hall baat llxisaslY
aG6lnst the window panes, ThroaGh
al that Storm . man w. making hlD
way He W1s nkher above the 6odl.
um heiGht, end hi he Wno ooooon1od
by . long black cloak. He walked
rSpidly, and would look up at the
housss, - II he was seeking some Per.
ticular one.
Suddenly he paused before The door
Of . two story building. and gave nve
loud raps steps were son heard de-
scendine the Slain, and Q negro OPEN
ed the door. The servant started -
he saw the mufled figure, but u
sid:
"Is the old astrologer within: :"
He IL, massa," replied the negro.
81 would speak with him."
"Please 60 up desc steps, till you
come TO big door den Glib two Faps
and walk m"
The mufIied figure ascended the
stairs and Mapped at the door. and II
few open - II by some magic power.
There was Q creaking Of the bolts and
screws, and he soon stood In the
room.
The apartment In which the stfan.
ger found himself, was q large one. 1t
was the abode Of Sans Joasi, the great
astrologer. Upon shelves were many
crucibles, batteries, and other strange
works Of science. A telescope was
there, too; and many large books,
bound In vellum, were piled upon
each other. The wall was covered
with maps Of the heavens, and . sim
gle lamp burned upon the table.
The astrologer was seated In . vel
vet covered chair. He appeared to be
about eighty years Of age, for his long
beard was Of snowy whiteness- He
was engaged In reading one Of those
large books when the visitor entered.
Sans JOasi turned and looked at the
muffied figure moment and then
said:
"Be seated, Benedict Arnold"
pCISOu ACuAAovCo VIZ
cloak from his face and seated him
self. 1t was Benedict Arnold. then
serving - Colonel I'm the American
army. He looked around upon the
walls, and then asked:
"How did you know 1t was Sans
JOasi?"
az can read through that cloak
yes, into your very heart" answered
the astrologer, in . slow and deeply
impressive voice.
Sans Joasi turned his chair until
he could face Arnold. Then he
looked into his face for . long time.
Arnold bore the scrutiny, and at last
the old man said:
"You have come to my house to hear
what Ii In store for you"
81 have" replied Arnold.
"Would you know the past"
~ you'd"
"Whyw
"If you can tell me aught Of my
past life, then I may believe in your
powers" said Benedict.
First, then, you was born In Con-
necticut."
81 was"
"In your bOyhood you were wild
and reckless-yOu were cruel, for you
delighted in robbing birds nests, and
tempt"
II confess it, Sans Joasi."
"You loved, and I believe with .
holy love; but she died, and at her
grave you inwardly promised to aban-
don your evil ways"
"Do you know my very thoughts ?"
cried Arnold.
81 know enough Of them-the stars
tell me all, ;" answered the old man.
at seems to me as II you had haunt.
ed me from my youth to manhood"
"Have 1 told you enough Of the
past, or shall I tell you about George
Dru-"
my God! old man, you have told
me enough of my life-mention not
that !" cried Arneld, rising to his feet,
while his hand moved toward his
sword. Sans Joasi saw the move
ment.
benedict Arnold, draw not that
weapon, or I shall touch that fatal
string" and the old mans hand
moved towards piece of steel which
was fastened to the table.
Nuul uuIIII Will kuut uO uSACu
the future traitor.
"LOOk above your head"
Arnold looked, and above his head,
like the sword Of Damocles, hung q
large iron weight sufficient to crush
him. He trembled, and resumed his
seat.
zone slight pressure upon that
spring will cause that weight to fall.
Ii has crushed one human being"
said Sans Joasi.
Arnold shuddered, and said:
"YOu have told me enough Of the
past, Sans JOasi ; now tell me Of the
future"
81 would not tell you of the future.
Colonel Arnold. Leave my house,
ignorant of what fate has In store for
yOu," replied the man.
81 will not go until I know ALL"
"Then you shall know 1t. l have
cast your horoscope, and the stars
have told me your fate. You will, ere
long, start upon an expedition against
the enemies of your country"
81 know that. am to march upon
Canada" said Arnold.
1.-The expedition will be failure,
and many lives will he lost. Though
you be defeated, the people will hon.
or you for your bravery. They will
overlook your avarici0us disposition,
and You will rise in their esteem,
but"
"What ?"
"You will-fall!" and Sans Joasi
spoke the last word In q solemn whis-
per.
"Iod forbid !" said Arnold.
"Yes, Benedict, you will fall from
your high position. Beware Of Brit
Ish gold !" said the aged man, glanc-
ing at his book.
"What, will they attempt to bribe
Arnold ?" asked the
man.
"rhey will"
"Never! Sooner than be bribed by
British gold, would see my right arm
torn from its place. Better, then, fIr |
me had never been born. II this be |
true, OH let me die like Q soldier on |
The battle field !" cried Arnold, while |
his breast rose and fell with suppress