The Sedalia weekly bazoo. [volume] (Sedalia, Mo.) 187?-1904, 1882-05-16
THE UNKNOWN WORLD.


joyment. Most of them were gentle
men who were Just commencing 9
professional life. each in the particular
pursuit which he had chosen.
After dinner all sorts of subjects
were discussed at length the CONVEX
sation turned upon apparitions, OF
supernatural appearances. George
Lawson. who had just begun the prac.
tice of medicine, Was among those who
strenuously opposed the idea of super.
natural visitation.
Why" said he, cit is contrary to
all reason, to science and philosophy. "
Il admit" said the artist, who zeal
ously supported the question, 'that
with our present knowledge of natural
laws and their operations. many &C
currences seem past comprehension,
and may vet be discovered to he only
the effect of some hitherto hidden law
of nature; but these are undoubtedly
cases of mysterious appearances which
it is utterly impossible to trace to any
cause"
Thus was the subject argued pro
and con. At last the artist proposed
TO Lawson to accompany him that
evening to his house short distance
in the country, and that he would
there convince him of the reality of
supernatural agency.
Lawson instantly consented to the
proposal, if his friend would promise,
ON his honor, that no trick would be
resorted to
Wine and cigars now circulated
briskly, and the evening passed in the
greatest harmony and conviviality.
The artist took his glass cheerfully,
while the surgeon reserved himself. as
be observed. ITO be in full and sober
possession of my faculties. that what
ever may be presented to my sight
may be examined through the medium
Of reason"
The company broke up rather early,
and the two friends set out on their
spiritual adventure. When they drew
near the house the artist paused and
traced large circle on the ground,
into which he requested his friend to
enter. He then said, in a solemn
some: Lawson, if you have any mis-
givings as to your having sufficient
resolution to remain here alone, now is
the time to speak, and we will defer
this business until you are completely
prepared, in your mind, for that which
warn you will be terrible trial of
your courage and resolution"
But the surgeon replied: 81 am as
well prepared now as ever shall be,
for anything of this sort but intend
TO visit immediate and cenaign pun
ishment upon any perPetrater of a
practical Joke
Il give you my werd Of honor
again, replied the artist, "that this
will be no trick to frighten you. i
sincerely believe the truth of super
natural appearances, and have come
here for the purpose of convincing yeu
of the same. My dear friend. yeu
know not what l am risking to con-
vincey you of the truth of the assertions.
And now, whatever Won may see, stir
not from the spot until you see me
again. If you step beyond this circle,
it will be your own immediate de-
sruction.
He then left the surgeon to his own
nea;..sstions.
Lawson looked around on all sides,
TO observe from whence he might ex-
pect bis ghostly visitant. He directed
his glance toward the grove of trees
and observed a spark of fire consid-
cradle distance within its gloomy
shade. The light advanced nearer
and nearer, at the same time increas-
ing in intensity.
But now figure of the most unde-
Unable description absorbed his whole
attention. What appeared to him the
more remarkable, was an awful be-
nightly portrayed in its countenance,
and with which it seemed to regard
MIN.
After while he raised his head,
and beheld the light fading away by
degrees in the dark shade of the grove
from which it issued. 1t soon entirely
disappeared, and his friend joined him
in almost the same moment. During
their ride to the artists house, the
former asked his companion care
YOU now convinced that what you
nave just witnessed is supernatural ?"
The surgeon replied Il cannot, on
natural principles, account for what |
have seen; it certainly was not like
anything earthly therefore, | beg to
be excused from saving anything more
on the subject, which / cannot COM
prehend."
aT am sorry" said the artist. "that