THE first spring of peace gave place to summer, a summer memorable1 for its intense heat. One afternoon, toward the latter part of July, clouds dark and angry overcast2 the sky, and peals3 of thunder and flashes of lightning threatened a terrific storm. Pedestrians4 hurried homeward, and man and beast sought safety under shelter. The waters of the quiet harbor, tossed by rude winds, grew angry and rose in white-capped breakers, that broke against the wharves5, piers6, and fortresses7, as far as the eye could see. Sea-gulls screamed and flew wildly about at this ominous8 appearance of the heavens, while the songsters of the woods, and the pigeons of the barn-yard, sought shelter from the approaching tempest. At night-fall the rain descended9 in torrents10.
Safely sheltered in his comfortable home, Mr. Mordecai sat for an hour or more, watching, from his library window, the fury of the storm. The tall, graceful11 cedars12 and olive trees that adorned13 the front and side gardens of his home, were swaying in the wind which rudely snatched from their trellises the delicate jessamine and honeysuckle vines that lent such delicious odor to the evening winds. It tore the flowers from their stems, and the rain pelted15 them into the earth in its fury. Leaves were whisked from their branches, and blown out of sight in a twinkle. A weak-hinged window-shutter of the attic16 was ruthlessly torn away and pitched headlong into the street. All this Mr. Mordecai watched in amazement17, and then, as if some sudden apparition18 of thought or of sight had appeared before him, he turned from the window with a shudder20, and said:
"This is a devilish wild night. I'll drop the curtain."
Seating himself then, by a brightly-shining lamp-the Queen City gas works had been destroyed by the shelling guns-he clasped his arms across his breast, and looked steadily21 up toward the ticking clock upon the mantel. Thus absorbed in reverie, he sat for an hour; and was only disturbed then by a loud rapping at the front door.
"By Jerusalem! who can be out this wild night?"
The rapping sounded again, louder than before.
"Mingo!" he exclaimed involuntarily. "Ah! the dog is free now, and only answers my summons at his will. Good boy, though."
The rapping was repeated.
"I must go myself. Who can be so importunate22, on this dark, wretched night? No robber would be so bold!" and grasping the lamp, he glided23 softly toward the front door. He turned the bolt cautiously, and opening the door a little, peered out.
"Come, Mordecai, open the door," said a friendly voice without. "Do you suspect thieves this foul24 night? No wonder."
Mr. Mordecai opened the door wider and saw Rabbi Abrams, and a man so disguised that he could not tell whether it was any one he knew.
"What do you want, my friend?" he said kindly25.
"Want you to go with us, Mordecai," replied the rabbi, drawing closer his cloak, which the wind was trying to tear away.
"Go where?" asked Mr. Mordecai in consternation26. "Only the devils themselves could stand, such a night as this."
"Come, be quiet, my friend. I am summoned by this unknown friend, to go with him to see a certain person who must see me, must see you, too. That's all I know. Come along."
"Don't wait, my friend, time is precious," said the muffled27 voice of the unknown man.
Mr. Mordecai frowned and shrugged28 his shoulders dubiously29.
"Fear no evil, my friend, but come with me," continued the stranger in a reassuring30 tone.
"The storm will not destroy us, Mordecai; I have tried its fury so far," said the rabbi. "Come on."
Reluctantly Mr. Mordecai obeyed, and hastily preparing himself for the weather, turned out into the darkness and the storm, with the rabbi and the guide.
Onward31 they went, struggling against the wild wind and rain, and few words were uttered by either as they proceeded on their unknown way. At length the guide stopped suddenly, at the corner of a lonely, obscure street, and said:
"There, gentlemen; in that low tenement32 opposite, where a light gleams from the window, you will find the person who desires to see you. Hasten to him. I shall be back before you leave. Ascend33 the stairway and turn to the left. Open the door yourself; there will be no one inside to admit you." Having uttered these words, the guide disappeared in the darkness, and Mr. Mordecai and the rabbi were left alone.
"What can this mean, Rabbi Abrams?" said Mr. Mordecai in a low voice, greatly excited; "suppose it should prove some plot to decoy us into trouble? I shall not go a step farther; we may be robbed or even murdered in that miserable34 place. You know this is Dogg's Alley35, and it never was a very respectable locality. What say you?"
"I feel no fear, Friend Mordecai, though I admit the summons is mysterious. If you will follow, I will lead the way. My curiosity impels36 me onward."
"But there's no watchman on this lonely beat, on this wild night, that we could summon in a moment of necessity; no street-lamp either, you see. It's dark, fearfully dark! Had we not better wait till to-morrow?"
"No, come on. I am fond of adventure. Let's see a little farther into this mystery;" and so saying, the rabbi boldly crossed the slippery street, Mr. Mordecai following timidly behind. They were soon standing37 in the narrow door-way that led up the stairs. They ascended38 slowly, and turning to the left, they discerned through the crevice39 beneath the door, a faint light. To this chamber40 they softly groped their way, and tapped gently on the door. No reply.
"Shall we go in?" whispered the banker. "This is an awfully41 suspicious place."
"Yes, come on; I do not feel afraid."
Gently turning the bolt, they opened the door; the lamp upon the table by the window revealed the contents of the apartment.
In a corner, upon a rude bed, lay a man, a negro, evidently sick, whose widely glaring eyes were turned upon the door, as if in expectation of their coming. Slowly lifting his hand as they entered, the sick man beckoned42 the gentlemen toward him. They drew near.
"Sir," he said, and so faintly that his voice did not rise above a whisper, "I'm glad you come. I was 'feerd the rain would keep you away." Then he grasped the hand of the rabbi with his cold, clammy fingers, and with an intense gaze of the wild eyes, said again, "Do you know me, Marster Abrams? Tell me, do you know me?"
The rabbi looked earnestly at him and after a moment's pause said dubiously:
"Is it old Uncle Peter Martinet43, the carrier of the 'Courier'?"
"De-same-marster, de-werry-same. But-de-end-ob-ole-Peter-is-nigh- at-hand, marster-wery nigh-at-hand! Las'-winter-was hard-an'-w'en de-work-ob de-Curyer-stop-it-went-mighty-hard-on-ole-Peter. De-rheumatiz-marster! De rheumatiz? Bref-so-short! Doctor-say-it's-de-rheumatiz on-de-heart now. Mebbe so-marster-but-ole-Peter-mos'-done-now."
"Can I do anything for you, Peter?" asked the rabbi kindly. "What will you have?"
At these words, the dying man, for he was dying, extended his other hand to Mr. Mordecai, and clasping his, said:
"Yes, marster-I want-somethin'. I-want-you-and-Mr. Mordecai-to-listen-to me; listen-to-me-a-moment. I-have- something-to-to-tell-you."
"Certainly we will," they replied gently, observing with pain the difficulty of the dying man's utterance44. "What do you wish to say?"
"You-see, Marster-Abrams, I-am-dying. Ole-Peter-mos-done. I-can-not- go-before God with-the-sin-upon-my-soul-that-now-distresses-me. I must tell it-for-I die."
Here the old man strangled, from the effort made to communicate his story, and the rabbi, gently raising his head, administered a spoonful of water. Then, after a moment's pause, he continued:
"Ise-been-a-great-sinner, to keep my-mouf-shut-so long; but-I could not-help it. Ole Peter-was feered-but now-I'se feered-no more. Soon-I'll be wid-de great God-who has-know'd my secret too-an' I feel-He will-forgive me-if-I-'fess it-'fore19-I die. I know-he-will, marster-de Spirit has-tole'-me so."
"Confess what?" inquired the rabbi softly, supposing that the old man's utterances45 were but the ravings of delirium46.
"A secret-marster; a secret-dat-I have-kep'-so long-it has become-a sin-an awful sin-dat has burnt-me in here," placing his feeble hand on his heart, "like coals-of-fire. Listen to me."
"I knows-how-Mars'-Mark-Abrams got-killed, an'-has-known it-ever since-dat-dark-Jinnewary-night-w'en he-was-shot--"
"Merciful--"
"Hush47! listen-to-me-my-bref-werry-short," he said, motioning the rabbi to silence, who had turned pale with consternation at the mere48 mention of his son's name.
"Hush! Mars'-Mark-was not-murdered-as-everybody-thought-but-was- killed-by-de pistol-he-carried-in his-pocket. It-was-werry dark dat-night-as you-may-remember. He-was-passin'-tru'-de-Citadel Square-to cut-off de walk-comin'-from Crispin's-he said, an'-in-de dark-he-stumble-an' fall-an' de-pistol-go-off-an' kill him. In de-early-morning-jus'-'for-day-as-I was-hurryin'-aroun' wid-my-paper, I was-carryin' de Curyer den14-bless-de-Lord, I came-upon-him-an' 'fore God-he was-mos' dead. He call-me-and tell me-how he-was-hurt, an' beg-me to run-for his-father, for-you, Marster-Abrams. He ask-me-to pick up-de-pistol-an' run for-you-quick. W'en I foun'-de pistol-I ask-him-another question. He-said-nothin'. I knew-he-was-dead. I was-skeered- awful-skeered-an'-somethin'-tole me-to-run-away. I did run-as-fast as-I-could-an' w'en-I was-many-squars-off, I foun' de-pistol-in my-hand. Dat-skeered me-agin. I stop-a minit-to think. I-was-awful skeered-marster-an' den I 'cluded I jus' keep-de secret, an' de-pistol-too-for-fear-people-might-'cuse-me ob de-murder. An'-so I has-kept both-till now. See-here's de pistol-an' I'se-told you-der truth;" and the old man felt about under his pillow for the weapon.
With difficulty he drew it out, and handing it to the rabbi, said:
"Take it-it's-haunted-me long-enough. It's jes' as I found-it-dat-night-only-it's-mighty rusty49. I'se had-it-buried-a long time-for-safe-keepin'.
W'en-Mars'-Emile-Le Grande-was-here in-prison-'cused of-dis-crime,-I often-wanted to tell-my-secret den-but-was-still-afeerd. I-knew he-was-not guilty-an' I determined-he should-not be-punished. So I helped-him-to 'scape-jail. I-set-him-free. I take-him-in de night time-to one-of de-blockade-wessels-off de Bar. W'ere-he go from dere, God knows-Ole Peter-don't. Now, Marster Abrams, I'se done. Before-God-dis is-de truf. I'se told-it-at-las'. Tole all-an' now-I die-happy.
"A-little-more-water-Marster Abrams-if you-please, an' den Ole-Peter-will-soon-be-at-rest."
Silently granting this last request, the rabbi turned suddenly to observe the entrance of the guide, who by this time returned.
Not a word was spoken a he entered.
By the side of the table, where lay the pistol, the rabbi and Mr. Mordecai both sat down, each in turn eyeing the deadly weapon with unuttered horror.
The dying negro's confession50 had filled them both with sorrow and amazement. The earnestness of his labored51 story impressed them at once with its undeniable truth; and with hearts distressed52 and agitated53, they sat in silence by the bed-side, till a struggle arrested their attention. Looking up once more they both caught the voiceless gaze of the earnest eye, which seemed unmistakably to say, "I have told the truth. Believe my story. Farewell." Then the old carrier's earthly struggles were forever ended.
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1
memorable
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| adj.值得回忆的，难忘的，特别的，显著的 | |
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overcast
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| adj.阴天的，阴暗的，愁闷的；v.遮盖，（使）变暗，包边缝；n.覆盖，阴天 | |
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peals
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| n.（声音大而持续或重复的）洪亮的响声( peal的名词复数 )；隆隆声；洪亮的钟声；钟乐v.（使）（钟等）鸣响，（雷等）发出隆隆声( peal的第三人称单数 ) | |
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pedestrians
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| n.步行者( pedestrian的名词复数 ) | |
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wharves
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| n.码头，停泊处( wharf的名词复数 ) | |
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piers
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| n.水上平台( pier的名词复数 )；（常设有娱乐场所的）突堤；柱子；墙墩 | |
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fortresses
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| 堡垒，要塞( fortress的名词复数 ) | |
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8
ominous
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| adj.不祥的，不吉的，预兆的，预示的 | |
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descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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torrents
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| n.倾注；奔流( torrent的名词复数 )；急流；爆发；连续不断 | |
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graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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cedars
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| 雪松，西洋杉( cedar的名词复数 ) | |
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adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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pelted
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| （连续地）投掷( pelt的过去式和过去分词 )； 连续抨击； 攻击； 剥去…的皮 | |
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attic
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| n.顶楼，屋顶室 | |
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amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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apparition
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| n.幽灵，神奇的现象 | |
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fore
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| adv.在前面；adj.先前的；在前部的；n.前部 | |
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shudder
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| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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importunate
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| adj.强求的；纠缠不休的 | |
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glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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25
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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consternation
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| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
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muffled
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| adj.（声音）被隔的；听不太清的；（衣服）裹严的；蒙住的v.压抑，捂住( muffle的过去式和过去分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
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shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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dubiously
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| adv.可疑地，怀疑地 | |
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30
reassuring
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| a.使人消除恐惧和疑虑的，使人放心的 | |
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onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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tenement
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| n.公寓；房屋 | |
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ascend
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| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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34
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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alley
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| n.小巷，胡同；小径，小路 | |
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impels
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| v.推动、推进或敦促某人做某事( impel的第三人称单数 ) | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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38
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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crevice
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| n.(岩石、墙等)裂缝；缺口 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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41
awfully
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| adv.可怕地，非常地，极端地 | |
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42
beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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43
martinet
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| n.要求严格服从纪律的人 | |
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44
utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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45
utterances
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| n.发声( utterance的名词复数 )；说话方式；语调；言论 | |
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46
delirium
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| n. 神智昏迷,说胡话;极度兴奋 | |
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47
hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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48
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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49
rusty
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| adj.生锈的；锈色的；荒废了的 | |
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50
confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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51
labored
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| adj.吃力的，谨慎的v.努力争取(for)( labor的过去式和过去分词 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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52
distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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53
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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