Evening capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1888-1893, 1889-04-24
to put away all thoughts Of Sparling, and

to put away all thoughts Of Sparling, and
fix my mind on business.
1t would not do. The man who attempts
to fight battle with his conscience is al.
ways in the wrong, always sure of defeat.
Moreover, that kind of a contest will ex-
clude every thing else from his mind till it
is settled. When the train reached Cincin-
natl was conquered. Letting nv baggage
go on left the car, and in fever of i'm
patience walked the station until l could
take return train,
From the probabilities of such occasions I
had settled it in my mind that Sparling
would be buried on the afternoon of the
third day from that of his DEATH Time-ta-
bles were studied, conductors interrogated,
and it was made certain that l ought in due
course to reach home at three o'clock in the
afternoon of that day.
That would be very close thing, reflect
ed. There would be, probably, only time
for me to take a carriage and join the pro-
cession to the cemetery. Much distressed
in mind, resolved to do this, if circum.
stances admitted of nothing more
But even this poor privilege was denied
me. There were maddening delays and
detentions; it was not until midnight of the
third day that left the train at the home
station.
My state of mind admits of no. descrip-
tion feared to learn the truth; l would
not inquire if the funeral had yet taken
place. There were no carriages there at
that hour and I walked alone through the
deserted streets.
There was full moon and the gas lamps
were not lighted. But the time was July,
and the foliage often vailed the moonbeams
The force of habit led me through the
ofr bo hoJ
not think Of calling at that untimely hour
Imust learn the particulars of the funeral
at home, but in my remorseful condition of
mind it seemed to me the correct thing to
do to walk slowly past the house of the
mourning, and abase my soul before it.
As neared the gate saw tall figure
leaning on it. The form and the attitude
were so familiar to me as to strike me
through with terror. 1 halted abruptly
The face was slowly turned toward me.
1t looked white in the vague moonlight; pale
and very sorrowful. 1t was Sparlings
grew cold from head to foot. With what
little strength was left me tried to cross
the street.
A timorous glance back over my shoulder
showed me that it was followingme Swift
ly, straight it came after me.
could have prayed for wings to fly with
AiS away liOul IuC lCTTOTS VI ClltU DldC6.
It-what name could give that thng!-
overlook me- The pale countenance still
looked reproachful rebukeful.
" For Gods sake, Ezra" cried, don't
come back and haunt me was wrong, but
you know have tried ~
A smile broke over the sad face; so like
his smile. In the sudden revulsion of my
feelings tainted.
Somebody famed me with a hat. Iopened
my eyes; it was leaning over me.
Now what's the matter, Joe!" familiar
voice cheerfully inquired. 81 thought you
werepff for the South three days ago. And
what dye mean by lodging away from me
in this fashonP
sat up. j.
"Ezra," I id, grasping his hands in SOL
emn 10y, "you have come back to me as one
from the grave"
"Ho! You heard the false alarm, did
youa Nothing but ridiculous newspaper
mistake, founded on the death of poor old
Bunting, next door, who's been dying for
two or three years. l couldn't sleep this
hot night, sol came out here to get some
air. Now you're back and find me alive,
hadn't you better put off your trip till the
weather coolsF'- James Franklin Fits, in IN