The Logan County banner. [volume] (Logan, W. Va.) 1889-1903, 1892-06-30


Good graciousf'' exclaimed, invoi-
unfairly.
singular, wasn't It? Well, month
later dreamed that was lying, in a
hammock in grove, which, in my
dream, knew to be somewhere in the
tropics, when Van Ordcn suddenly APP
peared, and strangled me-"
"0nc moment!' l cried. Were you
and Van Orden enemies or rivals in any
sense?"
mot in any sense. / had meant to
say that ut the start. We were the best
of friends, and cannot remember that
we had even difference. of opinion.
Not that we were chummy. understand,
because we met but seldom, but when
we did, we were very congcnial. And
that reminds me OF something else. In
all these dreams there was one point OF
resemblance apart from the killing.
Van Orden never appeared furious or
vengeful; his expression was invariably
one Of sorrow or pity. SO far as could
judge. 1t left an impression on me, in
an odd way, that Van Orden had to kill
me-"
s"Ycs, I understand. Any morc2.
1.-TWO more. In one l met him in a
secluded by-street where was walking,
and was stabbed; and in the fifth and
last, we were guests at banquet.
Van Ordcn passed me glass of wine,
and knew it was poisoned, but took
it and drank its contents, looking all
the while into his great soulful eyes,
realizing that he pitied me, but was
urged on by fate, or whatever you may
call it."
/ felt certain sense of uneasiness
creeping over me as my friend con-
cluded. In spite of the fact that knew,
rs philosopher, that the FIVE dreams
were but five fantasies, | felt, as a
friend, feeling of dread.
And that was all?9 ! queried, after
ftrying to think of something more con-
soling or explanatory to say.
"All Of the dreams-yes,n@ replied
Franz, but there is something else to
tell. First, about Van Orden. / am
not philosopher like you, Amos, and
SO am not ashamed to say that this
series of dreams impressed me deeply.
They not only alarmed bvt bewildered
me. Had they been the same scene re-
peated-say, the cliff would have
made vow, and kept IL. to never go
near such place, but could not avoid
hammbclxs, by-streets, banquet-halls,
and Bathrooms as well, without being a
downright hermit"
But you could avoid Var orden,"
suggested;
mot absolutely, without leaving the
university. Yet determined to avoid
him as much as possible, and did SO.
Mind! felt no resentment, but as days
passed on / gradually formulated the
terrifying theory that Van Or len was
destined to kill me-Boy you remember
the story of the young man in the Ara
bian Nights whose horoscope revealed
that on certain birthday he was to be
killed by certain prince? His father
took the young man to remote island
and immurcd him In an underground
chamber, there to remain alone until
the fatal day had passed. Well, this
prince What was his name2"
"Agib, wasn't tip
Eyes, that was his name. Well, Agib
was up tree on the island when the
young man was hidden, and when the
old father and servants are out of sight,
he descends, and makes the acquasnt-
nnce of the fated youth. When the I'M
lucky day arrives, he kills the boy with
table knife, just as had been pre-
dicted, although the killing was purely
by accident. 1t was fate, and he had to
kill him."
"And You reasoned that Van Ordsn
might do likewise?"
Precisely He might kill me in a
hundred accidental ways-on the play
ground or in the gymnasium, at table,
in the street, am sure thought Of a
hundred possibilities. The idea took
such n hold of me that actually turned
aside to avoid meeting him, even iu a
crowd. He noticed behavior,
know. and felt justly offended-he has
told my friends as much--but mada no
explanation. What could explain?
To rehearse my dreams as have done
to you, and offer them as an excuse for
my conduct. would subject me to ridi-
Guile. Besides, l wanted him to avoid
me, SO as to reduce the chances"
81 see; and it seems to have reduced
the chances considerably. Van Orden
has not killed you"
mo, nor never WILL" Frank laughed.
was rather surprised at the sudden
change of dcmeanor, but before had
time to make a comment he became
grave again.
Amos he said, with sigh, 'your
theories are perfectly correct: there is
nothing in dreams. / have told you
that have had five most vivid Dreams
so realistic that cannot recall them
without feeling cold chill erecting
over me, and yet they have come to
naught."
wait Bit" objected, becoming at
once logical and argumentative; you
cannot be certain of that. | will never
believe that n dream is in any sense a
prophesy of good or evil, but on your
part you can never be certain that Van
Ordcn will not kill yon until You are
drawing the last breath of natuI al
dcccase."
"Oh, yes, l can, most wise logician'
cried Frank. "You have omitted one
major premise suppose Van Orden dies
first?"
"ls he dead?' cried in turn.
For answer Frank turned up tho stu
dent lamp until the light flooded the
apartment; then he took from near
by cabinet polished skull and stood it
on the table before him.
This is Van Orden," he said, briefly.
Van Ordenr' l repeated, resoiling
slightly.
Don't be alarmed said Frank, after
an outburst of mcrriment. II can
read your thoughts, Amos. No, l did
not kill him, although an acute reason
CIR like yourself might have argued that
was justified. No, poor fellow
dropping again into melancholy tone
-'shc died natural death, If disease is
natural"
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