The Ekalaka eagle., 1915-12-03

or this night you will look for the last
time, with n free mind and happy
heart, on the wooded hills and valleys
and the green fields and meadows Of
this world"
At these words, so impressively ut
tered, the young man felt a tremor OF
fear, and for an instant perceptible
pallor crept over his face. He was not
snperstitious, nor did he believe in any
thing supernatural, but the earnestness
Of the woman, her wild manner and
the eerie way in which she spoke, all
combined to cause him a feeling Of
dread which he could not understand.
"Go not up that ravine this night"
She added entreatingly, 'if you would
live to see another sun rise on your
happiness, for as sure as you do you
leave your peace Of mind and soul be-
hind"
The young man recovered his self
possession and indulged in light laugh.
The woman held her hand up warning
ly and slowly shook her head.
Young man." she said, "laugh not,
for at this minute you stand on the
brink Of the grave Of your own happi-
ness. Turn about and flee from the
storm Of troubles and grief that await
you up there. have warned you. If
you value your peace Of mind and the
welfare of your soul heed my words
and turn back"
The young man became grave and
thoughtful in a moment In spite of
himself, he felt Influenced by the in
tense earnestness Of the woman. With
| all seriousness he said:
Your words impress me strangely.
You seem so very positive in your dec
larations."
'My words are true. Back there be-
hind you are peace and happiness. Up
here before you are disappointment and
| sorrow-and DEATH"
"Death-for me?"
| For another. But the death of that
other will mean that the wings of the
dark angel will hover low and close
over YOU"
Il do not understand. I wish you
would explain how l am to be affected
by the death of another"
II can explain nothing. l have told
you the truth and have warned you.
That is enough. Once more entreat
you to turn back"
Perhaps you will tell me how it is
you know these things?"
II know them as l know all things
The stars have told me, and I see II
written in your face"
The young man experienced feeling
Of relief and smiled.
Then you have heard no one say
that these things shall be so?" he ques.
toned.
"No mortal creature, no." she re.
piled. "But have it from a higher
and surer source. Men may lie, but
the stars never do"
He breathed easier. For moment
1t had occurred to him that something
of the secret he was guarding might
have become public and that some one
had made threats which had reached
the old woman's ears. Being assured
however, that her information had
come from the stars he no longer felt
uneasy.
She seemed to read the trend of his
mind, for as quick as flash she said
you do not believe me-"
II fear l shall have to admit that
do not" he replied.
She sighed.
II was fearful 1t would be So" she
said slowly. Nothing but experience
will convince people of the truth OF
my words, and then it is too late
like you, and l pity you and would
save you if could. But have done
my duty. I have warned you. l car
do no more. Farewell"
She turned and started away, but
when she had taken a step or two he
| called her back.
II believe you mean well," he said
'and l want to thank You for youl