The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-08-21
NV COMPANION gave a little start and

"Were you dreaming, too?" he asked,
in a voice grown suddenly husky. lit
interrupted dream for me also-a
cursed onel'' he cried out savagely.
"Bah, WHY should | recall it? Dreams
signify nothing"
He ended with loud, defiant laugh,
while the words which arose to my lips
in explanation ofmy own strange vision
remained unspoken.
Nv roommate made hast- toilet,
and left before breakfast, saying he
wished to rea n distant point during
the day
When l asked a few indirect ques-
tions of my host concerning the past
history of his recent guest, found he
could give no especial information on
the subject; but suggested that rs the
person in question resided near the
town which formed the present termi-
nus of my journey. l might doubtless
gain any information l desired to o.
tain from tho .e who were in neigh5orly
relations with him. So far as he knew,
he was a most excellent gentleman.
In addition to some business matters
which called me to this town, my IA
ther had requested me to make in
quiries concerning an old friend of his
who resided there when he last heard
from him some years previous, and if
still living, to make myself known, as
sured of warm welcome.
About noon | reached my destination,
pretty town, somewhat scattered and
rather quaint in its architectural fea-
lures, but nevertheless pleasing to the
eye.
On asking for John Boyd-my fa-
theirs old friend-I was directed to a
certain office, and presenting myself
there, was met by pleasant young fell
low, somewhat younger than myself,
and whose features gave me a perpleX-
inc remembrance OF some face l had
once known or seen, though where or
under what circumstances | could not
possibly recall. Still / was strangely
impressed with the familiarity of form
and expression.
signilied that was in search Of a
Mr.. John Boyd. The young fellow as
surcd me with pleasant smile that |
had not mistaken the man. '.He stood
before me"
With responsive smile l ventured
the assertion that must surely be in
error. or else the secret of perpetual
youth had been entrusted to- his keep
ing, as the John Boyd l sought had
been an old friend of my fathers in his
younger days, period too far remote
in the past for supposition to render
him identical with the one now before
me-"
At these words his smile gave place
to a more serious expression.
''He was probably my fathers
friend" he said, simply. "My father
has been dead for several years.
Seeing that the subject was even yet
a painful one, at once turned the con-
versation to other matters, and we were
soon earnestly engaged in discussing
current topics Of a more cheerful ma
ture.
1t was only asI was about TO take my
leave that again referred to his IA
tlser's death, expressing my own regret
and the assurance of my fathers sincere
sorrow when he should learn of it.
1T has now been some twelve years
since his death, and the circumstances
attending itwere peculiarly sad, young
John Boyd replied. ''My father had
been IN the West. prospecting for a year
or more, and in company with friend
and comrade started on his homeward
way. They were lost in the wilds
of the trackless forest, and at last,
in trying to discover 4 trail, by
means of which civilization might once
more be reached, they by some fatality
became separated. My father's fate
remains to this day sorrowful mystery.
His companion, after many periis and
privations, finally made his way back
to anxious and eXpectant friends, and
after learning that no tidings of my
father had been received, he magnan-
imonsly retraced his steps, gIiding an
exploring party, who sought long, but
in vain- for any traces of the lost one"
Before young Boyd had finished his
narrative I regarded him with the
keenest interest. The strange impress
sion Of unaccountable resemblance |
first experienced grew rapidly into 4
strong conviction.
The Young John Boyd ] now saw
was but a counterpart of the elder
John Bovd, whom | had seen in my
dream. Even the mole to the right of
the nose, tn ough smaller and less con-
spicnOus. was not lacking.
How strange that | had not st once
discovered the likeness, which now
flashed upon me like a startling revela-
ton. Involuntarily asked question,
vet feeling that | already knew the
answer.
"Who was your fathers companion
on this fatal Journey"
"a Mr.. Jacob Lagrew. who yet
lives near here. He is successful
cattle trader, and has been very kind
to me on numerous occasions. The
friendship he bore my father doubtless
prompts him to these acts.
l shuddered at these words; they
were SO gratefully spoken, and the
terrible vision OF the past night was so
clearly defined upon my vet retentive
memory. Still what could be said or
done?
Was the dream clue sufficient proof
for an accusation? My calmer judg-
ment told me that assuredly it was not.
Positive as were my own convictions,
l had no visible grounds upon which to
build my imputations. For proof had
only the strange vision of a restless
night.
A thousand conflicting thoughts per-
picked me: but even in my uncertainty
l felt that must carefully consider the
matter and weigh well my actions. To
this end bade good evening to my
young friend, promising to drop in
again on the morrow. as my business
would detain me until then and per-
haps even later. 1 spent the remainder