POWER OF EVIL

Evening Star, Issue 17968, 15 May 1922, Page 6

POWER OF EVIL

SATAN' IN MOENINGSIDE HOUSE.

SCOTTISH TALES AND LEGENDS.

Tho ‘ Weekly .Scotsman ’ narrates ammig Scottish tales and legends tho following: On the banks: of tho little Jordan Burn, in that beautiful suburb of Edinburgh called Momingeido, time stood, until Die middle of tho nineteenth century, a cottage -within an old-fashioned garden. 'The cottage itself had been built about 1650, and at the time of which wo write (1/50) had therefore been in existence upwards of 120 years. During thc_ greater pari of that time 'it had belonged to tho same family, and ho who now inherited! it, albeit an old, silvery-lockecl man, had seen the light in it, and hoped to take farewell of life's joys and sorrows within its walls.

James Morton -was a remarkable man, view him as one would. From earliest manhood ho had passionately devoted' himself to the study of the " unseen world," or as we would say to-day, to the investigation of 14 occult phenomena,” and in attempting to pierce tho veil of mystery which to 99 out of every 300 sons of humanity hangs overy the spirit world, he had been successful in a most extraordinary degree. By some he fvaa called a “magician,” by others a " necromancer,” by a. third' set a “dabbler in unholy arts,” while few indeed were able to see in him what he really was—a keen investigator into those subtler phases of psychical manifestations which are present to anyone who knows how and where to look lor them. In Ins cottage by the Jordan Burn—then a much larger stream than it is now—he hafl a collection of the books of the great writers on magic, astrology, necromancy, and other branches of physical science. Averroes, Avicenna. Paracelsus, Van Hclmont, Harvey, Cornelius Agrippa, Abbot John Trithemins, Jacob Gohory, Peter Poire, Naude, Gerhard Dorn, and tho Rosicrncians, Michael Toxitcs, and Aegid Gnthman, along with many other writers in occultism being the familiar friends with whom ha had continual intercourse.

TWELVE SEEKERS AFTER. TRUTH. Morton's cottage, therefore, was. the rendezvous for this informal club of psychical inquirers. As they advanced, however, they began to feel that if they were to make any true progress, and. attain to a knowledge of the inmost mysteries of this strangely fascinating pursuit, they must adopt the vows of the constitution of ono ot the great mystic brotherhoods of Germany or Italy. Those who were associated with James Morton in those studies numbered eleven in all, with himself completing the dozen: and when (hey wore all assembled they completcly filled both sides' of a long table, at which were wi twelve trays filled with the liquids, elements, and essences requisite for their work. All the eleven looked up to James Morton as their master and teacher, for from him they had learned all they knew. Yet, singularly enough, in Jus relations with them lie was ‘Andy one of them, so gentle and unassuming was his manner.” The proposal to adopt (.he vows and "rule” of ono of the great mystical societies had not been submitted to James Morton as yet, having been the favorite suggestion of a man named Arnold Dcbret, a Frenchman, who always claimed the leadership of the company when Morton chanced to be absent, engaged in secret preparations which he allowed no eye but one to see. That was Stephen Hislop, the youngest, but the ablest-, of all the company that met at Morton’s house. Hislop was the old man’s favorite, and he withheld nothing in tho way of information from him, ’much to the chagiiu and jealous indignation of Bebret, who considered that he should have boon preferred to tho place assigned to Hiclop, Debret often showed lii.s jealousy and dislike towards Hislop very plainly, while the fact was evident that he was only deterred from cherishing tho same feelings towards Morton by a sort of nameless, undefined dread of the old man's unknown magical powers. Bebret* bad gained over all the other members of the company to consent to their adoption of the "rule” of one of tho existing Rosicrucian orders, and he foresaw, although unquestionably James Morton would bo (he master of the order, that he himself, having gained the favor of all the other brethren, would in all likelihood become the snb-nnictcr. Only to Hislop had he delayed to break the new* until tho night, when it wss to bo announced to Morton. Hislop at once declined to lie a party to any such proposal until ho saw what Morton's mind was on the matter. Uobrot was very angry, and ■said some exceedingly hitler things against Hislop lo his friends at the lower end of the room. A DANGEROUS GUEST. At last the time came when Bebret was called on to lay the matter belore .Morton. He did so just when the company were resting after having witnessed some marvellous manifestations, produced by Morton, tho spirit replies to questions put bv members of the company. Then Belirei, at the instigation oi some of his friends, but somewhat reluctantly on his own part, for he had suddenly realised the opposition he was likely' to receive, unfolded his plan. Morton listened in profound silence as Bebret detailed his scheme, only asking which society they proposed to join.

“Wo did not know; that wp should leave to your (-election, but the Rosy Cross, No. 4. ‘.Star of the North,’ has many recommendations. What do v.ju think?”

“Do you wish me to speak my mind plainly?” “Certainly; we desire your advice and guidance ail through.”

“First, Jet mo a.sk; Arc you unanimous in desiring this? ” “ Yes, J believe so,” replied Debrct, “ or at least almost so.”

“ No,” interrupted Hislop, “1 am not in favor of the .scheme until we have hoard what your mind is, sir.”

“Ah, that alters the question; had you been unanimous I could nave .said nothing, but when so prominent a member of our company as Air Hislop declines to go into the scheme until he has heard more, it may well make you stop. Let rno tell you there is danger, perhaps death, ahead.”

Tho company shivered arid drew together. Dcbrel alone preserved an assumed sangfroid. “But, sir, with „!I deference to you, will the fact of one member's opposition produce consequences so terrible? "

“Certainly not; tho consequences 1 speak of have nothing to do with Mr l];slop. But the fact is trim that if you g.i on you will inevitably invito disaster on your heads; I believe, in one or two cases, death.

“Then, why do this? What good is to bn served by such a policy?” said Hislop.

' "Of course none in your estimation. I might have known that what ] would pmi pose you would oppose,” was Debrct’s rejoinder. j But Morton sternly rebuked him fur his | remark, aid told him lie would be unfit to I enter any brotherhood wide: cherishing such ideas, for t.lio essential idea of brotherhood was mutual co-operation in doing good. DESIRE TO SEE THO "FA'ID O\E.” Again Morton .sternly reproved Dcbret, and .said ho was not a true student of tho unseen world, to which Dehrct replied that he wished to sec tills great " Rower of Evil,” about which everyone .‘poke will: bated breath, and that he had suggested tho Rosy Gross Society, Xo, 4. *• Star of the North.’’ because (*sy devoted thornselves to the investigation by manifosutions of the “ Evil One.” A peculiar smile played over Morton's face for a moment; then he asked if all the other members of (he dude, after what they had heard, were still determined to go forward. But three or four of them, having previously been in ignorance as to the designs of Debret in inducing them to join the Rosy Cross, Xo. 4, wore now absolutely opposed to going further. Dehret’.s eves glowed with anger and chagrin. Still there w;>s a majority in favor'of going on; and that majority was consumed with an unholy desire after tho forbidden, knowledge which had tempted JFausfc to his ruin.

P.nv-euf 1 y Morion spoke again. His whole manner was changed. Formerly he. hod .spoken in the gentle tones of a- friend ; now it was as a master and a ruler that ho addressed them. Ilk- voice- was sharp and his demeanor commanding; ‘'Then you insist, upon associating yourself with this circle <■! inquirers'fhe asked brusquely. I’c-cs." was Helmet's reply, delivered in hesitating tones. The, change in Morton's manner had staggered linn, and lie fain would have stop) id, lull: Ills wretched pride hindered him.

A VISION BKALTIFUL AND CONTEMPTUOUS.

Morton <1 row (lii'i-e. large. circles upon tho ll>ior, in one. of winch he j:lai 0 1 1 Hismp, in another hu himself stood, while, the third was left vacant. He then brought a small open hacin-like furnace with a chafing dish, on which were glowing embers, which, lie spccdilv blew up into a while, flame ; iherenller he (blew some keenly pungent powder into the (hating dish, which caused the llaine to hum. with a, beautiful violet hue. Then be repeated: .several words in an unknown longue, 1 loginning at the same tune slowly to move the long rod he held in Ids hand to and fro. The room now hciamc densely dark, the flame burned low. and suddenly far in the distance. wa» heard a strain of ravishing music, low and sweet. Morton now banded tho supple ci incense, in I!is Lordship, telling him to throw a little of it on ilie iiio -from time to time while lie, was himself employed in describing curious figures in the air with Ids wand. Tim air began to get thicker, and the music approached, nearer and nearer, until at last a low murmur of horror from tin? lower end of the room announced tho fact that a, faintly luminous pit fence* was standing in tho vacant’ circle. 'J ho Devil,, Dozen, or thirteen persons, were now firewall in the room.

Tho out lino of the form wn* wiih tire, bill as yet nothing ilfliiiiip oau!<i bo traced —-all was 1 nebulous mi misty. Gradually the ligurc glow tlviivr in its lines, the luminosity .•" by tho (low of its own raunmoy tin; on’.tines of the (iguro were roveivied. it was .seen to bo that of a young man of nm-m'lh.y beauty. The f;uv. the cxprti.snm, fixe pose cl tho form wore ail Mich as soused tho keenest admiration amongst t'fi'no wm> saw i!. The bloom of elpmal ymit.li Tented upon his ebooks, while a mune, el bewitching wiotaiefs played over Ins np Yet despite the wondrous charm and fascination nt the u-ntmos, rneie '-vn• something whfmi repelled mic in 'UieniWas it t!ie suggestion -ol mockery and contemptuous ruiiculo which lurkv-u in. tho corners of the. mouth, nr wa.s it the lout of an undying despair which at passed like a faint cloud over that rthcrcn! hi-ow? 11-- it what it might, them was somethin!,' iu the face and its cxnivfsion which, while, attracting, repealed. A TKRRIBLK KXIH'IRIKXCII. Tim victim, keeping within the circle assigncd to it, looked around and 1 sain with a hitter, satirical hmgn: “Ha, Morton, v.by this honor at your hand.' What want ye will; me I 1 Morton spoke gravely and calmly; “ 1 told you years ago that yet once, more I should summon you if need should arise. Such need has arisen. I. claim my boon that I have never begged.’’ “Well, what is your desire.V" “ The release of these witless fouls, who knew not what they were doing the night before last, when, in the name of Lucifer, Azazel, and- Ahriman, they swore to be true, provided you granted them certain privileges. They thought 1 knew nothing of their proceedings, hut it was all revealed. to me in the crystal globe yonder.”

“How many .signed the bond pi service

Only one ol them, and he (heir leader, but the others were to have signed tonight." '

A, moan of horror broke from s<une of those a), the lower end of the room. Then the “ Presence " continued to say that ail tho.-c that had, not actually signed tho bond’ would be released, but, that iio who had—~-

lie got- no further, for Debret, in a frenzy o; (error, rushed forward, and, clasping Morion round the knees, shrieked aloud; “I. diif not. know what 1 * was doing. I cannot become the scapegoat. Save me, save me, for the sake of Led and the inlinite mercy of His Son, .lesus Christ." IX THl’i HANDS OP THK " mi, ONK.” In an instant all was pitchv dark in the room, 'then there camo a blinding tliish of lightning that revealed the might \ ‘'Spirit oi L’vd. ’ ■•. landing with a mocking. smile, with his hand grasping the wretched IJebret. v,hue, on the other side ot him, holding on high a cnicitii, which lie thrust between Satan and 1 his victim, was dames Morton. A peal of thunder that seemed io jv-nd ; lie very earth \< .’- lowed, and then all was still. _ When light., were procured Morton was discovered still holding Debret, who was in an unconscious state. For .several hour.; lie remained so, and when he regained consciousness his right, arm wa.s found to he paralysed, while on the spot whole Satan's hand had rested were the mark*; (,f a ‘■numb and tour lingers, as though bruised into the fieth. He never regained the use of his aim, nor did the marks disappear. Although .Tames Morton and his friends continued lie pursue ilie study of oemi't phenomena, never again did any of them ventine. to summon that awfni " Pitsenee,’ whose respoiice in their summons had so nearly proved tatal to one of them number. Debret became an altered man li'Oin that time, and in place of displaying an nnlndy curiosity t" discover what the Urphlor moan!, to conceal he pursued his invostigi; norm. a tong hues which tended to the we,'lari' and benefit ot In's race.

“ There arc l-.vo thingu wlih !i have particularly iriinrosKed iheimclw? upon my mind-. Urnly, Jv.v nine h the I'em n uppreciut-s tiro counsel who knows nig caso who knows .sis rare iiiily bm.li as re,!.arsis the '.art-- and as regards the lav,’ 1 sri-d Mr Justice Herd, in the courrr of a speech in reply to an ofiic.s-i vce.c uiic by tho Aiickiinid bar in taking hie seat -m ttw HnpK-me Court Boneh (Muter (he 1 r-UirA. "On circuit it i« really most im tail no 1.,i the court and most uii.sainslactoiy c,,mm : '-l's Hicnt to find ..•.•mr-el fiuiimin in [i i-i th,> matter of facts. ! bud them uskiii<g gucst;ous of their -*v.n witneoscs in the bov 'vnn h they never asked in cucml.er,.. ami iwing either astonished cr pro Blind ;,t t.w rcp'ios, flowing mi obvious la h of rire,pa.v;utJon. This is most '.-i-itmuig and niiMtiefactorv. As one v.ho him nc”i at the Bar Pm many years, | s.xy this -that when they me won on facts, cm-es a;-,. v,-.,n in tht> oflmes of ?) CJi •1 - i I m,/] !J| C;,o r-OU-tr. It is by the thoi-'ii.-rh preparation of t'acN t’aji cases 11-s e.,,;. en the (lU'-stioil of facts. A cornier! ihoiougfi'v prepared in law also is of immense assistance to tho judge. if counsel is not prepared ho throws a tremendous lot of work on the judge, who has to delve for him in tho in tin whs of justice to (he client. These unprepared men are not heard with very great satisiartion by members of ih-e Beach.’’ Any citizen may bo called upon M mm-, , n suppressing a riot, which in English Imv is a violent disturbance of tho jm-ieo "ey not less than (hre-e porson-t." Big ‘feet signify the aound thinker, while toes that turn in show a stubborn distendtiou, according to a nw