The herald., 1895-09-01

venture of an unusual character. yet
hesitated TO accept the invitation, lor L
had many misigivinGs as to the good IN
tentions OF the s,ecter. However, finally
accepted and we started out. As we went
on | seemed to be treading on air, neither
avoiding distractions nor stepping over
them. This power of gliding through the
air was doubtless impaired to me by the
specter order to put me on an equality
with himself. although did not ask him
il such was the fact. Going in a direct
line we went up the canyon to whore il
lies deep in the mountains. and mere, after
having Travelled some fifteen minutes at a
very rapid rate, my guide stopped be-
fore huge boulder at the base of the
mountain on the western side of the
canyon.
'Cose your eyes for a moment" said
he.
| did so, and Immediately felt q cold
draft of air pass by me, and the ground
beneath me seemed to move. Again l
began to fear and opened my eyes. but
could discern nothing, as inky darkness
surrounded me. Before | had time to do
anything. had | been so inclined, the
place was lighted up by light second
only to the sun in intensity. | was in
cave-like apartment the walls OF
which were lined with what appeared to
be mirrors, rejecting the interior OF the
cave. and giving the effect of an endless
chamber. The light came from ABOVE,
but from what source could not see;
The ghost was nowhere to be seen, and
although awed by the strangeness OF my
surroundings, | began to wonder now
should ever get out OF the place. Pres
emily my host stepped ont from the SIDE
of the cave where no door existed, ana
went up to cabinet which had failed
to observe before, and took from 1t an
oblong box, small bottle and a wine
glass.
Let us enjoy ourselves" said he.
and poured out from the bottle into the
glass golden colored liquor. ihis ne
handed TO me and bade me drink. did
so, for | had determined to see the ad-
venture through and to accept all that
was offered; in fact. seemed TO nave no
alternative. !mmediately felt great
sense of warmth and comfort. That
draught seemed to remove all lingering
fear and doubt and began to enjoy the
strange suitation in which l was placed.
Opening the box the specter bade me help
myself. | looked inside; 1t was hlied
with strange shaped cigarettes, OF a blue
color. | took one, and as soon as had
placed it IN my mouth it became ignited.
| have never smoked opium, but from
what others who have say of it. i'm
agIne the material in these cigarettes
must have been similar. Everything
seemed rose colored and heavenly rs
puffed the blue smoke out into the room.
| had seated myself on an unusually
soft divan and crossed my legs in COM
fort. The specter stood on the opposite
side of the room.
Take seat" | said Hospitality.
always dislike to see anyone uncomfort-
able.
He took no notice of my remark, but
said. IF you are sufficiently rested and
feel interested | will show you a set OF
~ pla IN
hand, for am an artist, like yourself.
III you are an artist like me, J thought
| shall not feel specially interested in
your pictures; .but | said, Thanks, l
should be delighted" Surely this was
the most peculiar ghost that ever came
almost as strong as daylight circum-
stance unusual in sucb cases, but he was
pleased to amuse rather than frighten,
and to have on hand a stock of creature
comforts such as ghosts are not supposed
to meddle with. Here was variety
enough to spice a considerable period
Of life. While | was musing over these
strange things, the specter had taken
from the cabinet circular box, perhaps
two feet in diameter and had placed it
upon q small table which stood IN the
center of the apartment.
Are YOU raady?' asked be. answered
in the Affirmative and was about to rise,
when | noticed that the dlyan was tegin-
ming to move. Slowly it approached the
table and finally stopped beside it. wa
not greatly surprised at this incident for
/ was getting used to these things. The
specier put out his transparent hand l..
grased the lid of the box and raised it.
HgI looked in but saw nothing but basin
VI clear water.
Where are the lectures,'' | asked,
thinking that he had got the wrong box
by mistake. Look on the surface oi
the water" replied the specter, ''and con-
centrate your thought on some scene in
the past which You again wish to be.
hold" II did as directed. | thought OF
the town where | was born of its sur
roundings and of the old home in the far
east. As | gazed into the basin the
water became violently agitated and
washed from side to side. Slowly the
commoton subsidized and the surface oi
the water was calm and mirror like. Be-
fore me was spread a perfect picture OF
the old New England town with which
was so familiar There we're the irregular
streets, the historic buildings, factories,
mills and many more familiar objects,
although many were missing. having been
t1rn down or otherwise destroyed since
my departure, EandR others erected new
and unfamiliar to me. Beyond the town
| could see the peaceful river, backed by
| wooded hills, the broad harbor lay oppo
site the town, its surface broken by many
craft at anchor, and to the south spread
out for many miles the sound separated
from the ocean by many beautiful isl
ands. Again my gaze wandered to thu
| town, and | traced the streets until
came to my old home. The great bous'
stood just as 1 had left it years before
the lawns were green, the flowers il
bloom. How natural everything seemed
| had entirely forgotten my surrounding.
and my host. And now the picture bi okt
in hundred ripples and thought tina
| it was well so.
"Wonderful.' / murmured as l looked
up at the spectre, who was intently watch
ing me. Think again OF some inciden