Page:The Galaxy, Volume 5.djvu/43

Rh This time my eyes were open, and I am sure that I was in entire possession of all my senses.

Space will not permit me to detail the strange experiences that followed. I verily believe, that for nearly a month afterward, I underwent what spiritualists term infestation. During all my waking hours a band of fiends seemed constantly about me, howling in my ears, and filling the air with the most horrid oaths and blasphemy. With all the strength of my will, I braced myself to the conflict. I read the Bible; I talked with my pastor; I prayed—with "strong crying and tears;" I went to God, and asked him to rid me of the demons. But all was of no avail. Still I heard the awful oaths, and still the horrid din sounded in my ears, making life a torment.

But the terrible struggle called out my dormant energies, and, insensibly I grew stronger.

At last I could walk about, and go into my garden. The fresh, pure breath of the leaves, and the now decaying flowers, revived me, and infused into my veins some of the abounding life that is everywhere in nature.

Then my physician advised me to travel. I did so. Taking my little daughter with me, I went southward. By day I lived in the open air, and at night, I slept with the arms of my little girl about me. Either her innocent spirit kept them at bay, or the strange scenes helped to draw me away from myself; whichever it was, I grew decidedly better, though I was not wholly delivered from the powers of darkness.

After a fortnight, I set out to return home, and arriving in New York just after dark, I bethought me of the Christian spiritualist. With my little daughter, who now never left me, I went to him that evening. He received me kindly, and before I had spoken a word, said, "You have suffered."

"I have: how did you know it?"

"The bogus Franklin was here two nights ago, and told me all. He said you had repulsed him with taunts and contumely; and he hsd taken revenge, by bringing about you a score or devils."

"He is the worst devil among them."

"Hush! do not say so. Never speak evil of a spirit; the good will of a dog is better his ill-will, and these 'dogs' can attack us secretly, and without warning."

"And do you believe that man is so at the mercy of demons."

"No, not a well man; he can stand alone; but one whose nerves are so shattered as yours are, must have outside help to save him from death, or insanity."

"What help?"

"The help of Christ. I wrote you only yesterday to call upon