Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1898-06-17

Caleb, said Abner softly to himself as
he left the crowded streets of Jerusalem
and gained the roadway leading to the
cemetery. "Surely this is tho happiest
moment of my life, welded to the one !
hold most dear. Could there be a more
fitting time to think of thee and our mu
tual OATH"
1t did not take long, for the distance
was short and he walked with hurried
steps, before Abner found himself close to
the simple slab that covered the remains
of Caleb. Flinging himself upon it, he
gave way to his emotions, but by a strong
effort his self control gained the mastery.
Then he communed thus with the spirit oil
bis friend:
"Beloved Caleb, not with fear and trem.
bling but with glad confidence l approach
thee. Thou rememberest our oath.
have come to thy grave at the full tide Of
my happiness, to learn of thy experience
In the realms of bliss. Thou recallest our
converse in those joyous days Of youth
when it was our desire to pierce all mys-
terry. Be near to me now, dear friend,
and in thy purified state uplift the veil
which hides the mortal from the immortal.
Inspire Inc now, oh, Caleb, with the knowl-
edge l seek and let me not ask in vain"
Abner ceased, half expectant of some re.
Spouse. But no voice broke the stiffness.
The shadows Of evening were deepening.
One by one the stars shone in the flrma-
ment. Abner failed to notice the advance
ing night in his rapt contemplation. Then
a faint murmuring rent the air and the
trees that skirted the burial ground seemed
to give forth a sobbing sound.
sob, Caleb" Abner entreated, with out
stretched hands, 'answer me. BY the in
effable name of God, answer me-"
The tremulous weeping Of a child was
borne on the breeze. A flash of lightning
lit up the distant hills, and a rumbling as
of thunder was heard.
"Do I disturb thee, oh, Caleb, from thy
rest9 Forgive me, beloved friend. But
answer me, as thou didst swear to do.
Tell me the delights of immortal life"
"Abner! Abner!'' At the words Abner's
countenance shone with sudden joy. cat
last!' he exclaimed. cat last / hear thy
voice again" .
"Abner, such a delight is mine as is
comparable to no earthly bliss. So pure,
80 radiant, SO serene, are my companions
that my voice cannot describe a thousandth
portion of my happiness. Have no regret
at our severed friendship. A sweeter,
stronger bond unites us now. Dost thou
yearn to see again my features and clasp
my hand as of oldp Why, l am nearer to
thee than in the past, and my eye sees
clearer within where spirit responds to
spirit and all is at perfect peace. l have
solved the mystery. l have gained the
heights"
The voice ceased for a moment and then
it resumed:
"More could 1 tell thee. But dost thou
know the penalty? A thousand years on
earth are but as a moment in eternity.
Even as thou communist with me here.
beloved friend, the years vanish and life
recedes. Oh, hasten, hasten, ere 1t be too
latel Thy bride awaits thee and wonders
why thou art tarrying. Wouldst thou
learn the secret of eternal lifeP Make thy
earth a heaven and live we'll thy mortal
years, with their alternate sunshine and
shade, as best preparation for immortality.
But hasten, hasteni dare speak no more,
for thine own dear sake"
Again a child's tremulous wall was
borne to Abner's ear. There came a flash
of lightning and the muttering of thunder.
Then the shadows lifted, and it was sun
rise on earth, with a fresh, cheerful air
sweeping across the hills.
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