"open my breast and extract my heart. Carry it to some place where the
public may see the result. You will then transfix it upon a long pole,
and if Satan will have my soul, he will come in the likeness of a black
raven and carry it off; and if my soul will be saved it will be carried
off by a white dove."

His friends faithfully obeyed his instructions. Having exhibited his
heart in the manner directed, a large black raven was observed to come
from the east with great fleetness, while a white dove came from the west
with equal velocity. The raven made a furious dash at the heart, missing
which, it was unable to curb its force, till it was considerably past it;
and the dove, reaching the spot at the same time, carried off the heart
amidst the rejoicing and ejaculations of the spectators.




THE MINISTER AND THE FAIRY.


Not long since, a pious clergyman was returning home, after administering
spiritual consolation to a dying member of his flock. It was late of the
night, and he had to pass through a good deal of _uncanny_ land. He was,
however, a good and a conscientious minister of the Gospel, and feared
not all the spirits in the country. On his reaching the end of a lake
which stretched along the roadside for some distance, he was a good deal
surprised at hearing the most melodious strains of music. Overcome by
pleasure and curiosity, the minister coolly sat down to listen to the
harmonious sounds, and try what new discoveries he could make with regard
to their nature and source. He had not sat many minutes before he could