Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-02-26

was short and he Walkec Win hurried
steps, before Abner found himself close
to the simple slab that covered the re-
mains of Caleb. Flinging himself up
on it, he gave way to his emotions,
but by strong effort his self-control
gained the mastery. Then he COM
muned thus with the spirit of his
friend
"Beloved Caleb, not with fear and
trem bling but with glad confidence I
approach thee. Thou rememberest
our oath. 1 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 mystery.
Be near to me now, dear friend, and
in thy purified state uplift the veil
which hides the mortal from the i'm
mortal. Inspire me now, o Caleb,
with the knowledge seek, and let me
not ask in vain."
Abner ceased, half expectant of
some response. But no voice broke
the stiffness. The shadows OF even
ing were deepening. One by one the
stars shone in the armament. Abner
failed to notice the advancing night in
his rapt contemplation. Then a faint
murmuring rent the air and the trees
that skirted the burial ground seemed
to give forth sobbing sound.
"Oh Caleb" Abner entreated, with
outstretched hands; "answer me. BY
the inefable name of God, answer
me-"
The tremulous weeping of child
was borne on the breeze. A flash of
lightning lit up the distant hills, and a
rumbling as of thunder was heard.
"Do | disturb thee, o Caleb, from
thy rest? 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 sud
den Joy. "At last ~ he exclaimed,
sat last hear thy voice again"
"Abner, such delight is mine as is
comparable to no earthly bliss. So
pure, so radiant, so serene, are my
companions that my voice cannot de-
scribe a thousandth portion of my
happiness. Have no regret at cur
severed friendship. A sweeter, strong
er bond unites us now. Dost thou
yearn to see again my features and
clasp my hand as of old? Why, 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. 1 have solved the
mystery. I have gained the heights. 1"
The voice ceased for moment and
then it resumed
"More could I tell thee. But dost
thou know the penalty? A thousand
wears on earth are but as moment in
eternity. Even as thou communist
with me here, beloved friend, the
years Danish and life recedes. Oh,
hasten, hasten, ere it be too late. Thy
bride awaits thee and wonders why
thou art tarrying. Wouldst thou learn
the secret of eternal life +? Make thy
earth heaven and live well thy NOR
tai years, with their alternate sunshine
and shade, as best preparation for i'm
mortality; but hasten, hasten! dare
speak no more, for thine own dear
sake"
Again a child's tremulous wall was
horne to Abner's ear. There came a
flash of lightning and the muttering
of thunder. Then the shadows lifted,
and it was runrise on earth, with a
fresh, cheerful air sweeping across the
hills.
"Why, have been sleeping" Alb.
ner exclaimed, rising with difficulty
from the ground. "How careless on
my part! My limbs are as stiff as an
old mans, and my shaggy beard has
grown over night! A pretty figure to
meet my bride," he muttered, as he
moved with hesitating steps toward
Jerusalem. He gained the old road
way, although its lines had changed.
He did not recognize the fields in
which some peasants were plowing,
while on every side were scattered
debris and heaps of stone.
"Almighty !" he entreated, as he
strained his sight for the accustomed
glory of the temple mount. "Where
art thou vanished, o Jesusalcm ? o,
beloved bride, shall I see the no more ?
Home, friends, country--have I lost
We all ?"
Abner had dreamed seventy years,
ard when the dream cloud had lifted,
bride and friends had long since died.
The temple had fallen and Jerusalem
had become a ruin-the spoil of Lri-
umphant Rome.
In seeking to pierce the mysteries of
the future, the present had passed from
view, and left Abner in solitude
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