Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1898-03-31

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shall seek to communicate. with the de-
parted one and visit the sepulcher at
the moment Of his highest happiness
on earth. Then it is my fervent belief
that tho secret of heavenly happiness
Will be unfolded, and we shall attain
the highest degree Of intelligence"
The compact was made-an unusual
thing In those days among the pious
Jewish youth-and the conversation
ended. In few years Caleb died, and
Abner, disconsolate and detected, dis
dained for while all society, but spent
the largest share of his leisure at the
friends grave, rejecting on his genial
traits and their loving intercourse.
Time, however, works it's magical
changes, and now he had married.
III.
Il had almost forgotten thee, beloved
Caleb" said Abner, softly to himself
as he left the crowded streets of Jeru-
salem and gained the roadway to the
cemetery. Surely this is the happiest
moment of my life, welded to the one
l hold most dear. Could there be
more fitting time to think of thee and
our mutual 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 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
Euned thus with the spirit OF his
friend:
Beloved Caleb, not with fear and
trembling, but with glad confidence 1
approach thee. Thou rememberest OUT
oath. l 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 TN thy
purified state uplift the veil which
hides the mortal from the immortal
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 evening
were deepening. One by one the stars
shone in the armament. Abner failed
to notice the advancing night in his
rapt contemplation. Then faint
murmuring rent the air and the trees
that skirted the burial ground seemed
to give forth sobbing sound.
| 20 Caleb" Abner entreated, with
outstretched hands, answer me. BY
the inefable 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 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 Alb.
ner's countenance shone with sudden
joy. eat 1ast!w he exclaimed, '''at last
I hear thy voice again.
"kbner, such delight is mine as is
comparable to no earthly bliss. Sc
pure, 80 radiant, so serene, are my
companions that my voice cannot de-
scribe thousandth portion of my hap
piness. Have no regret at our severed
friendship. A sweeter, stronger bono
unttes us now. Dost thou yearn to SCI
again my features and clasp my HAND
as OF old? Why, I am nearer to thee
than in the past, and my eye see:
clearer within where spirit responds tt
spirit and all is at perfect peace.
have solved the mystery. I have
gained the heights"
The voice ceased for a moment ant
then it resumed:
More could I tell thee. But dos
thou know the penalty? A Thousand
years on earth are but as a moment il
eternity. Even as thou communes
with me here, beloved friend, the year.
vanish and life recedes. o, hasten
hasten, ere it be too late. Thy bride
awaits thee and wonders why thou ar
tarrying. Wou1dst thou learn the sec
ret of eternal life? Make thy earth
heaven and live we'll thy mortal years
with their alternate sunshine ant
shade, as best preparation for immor
tality. But hasten, hasten! I dare
speak no more, for thine own dea1
sake
Again a child's tremulous wall wa!
borne to AbneT's ear. There came
flash of lightning and the muttering O.
thunder. Then the shadows lifted, ant
it was sunrise on earth, with a fresh
cheerful air sweeping across the hills
'Why, I have been sleeping" Abnel
exclaimed, rising with difficulty from
the ground How careless on my
part! My limbs are as stiff as an OLE
mans, and my shaggy beard ha!
grown over night! A pretty figure tt
meet my BRIDE" he muttered, as hi
moved with hesitating steps toward
Jerusalem. He gained the old road
way, although it's lines had changed
He did not recognize the fields il
which some peasants were blowing