proved on the woman’s trial; and out of this, it was supposed, in some way the accursed plot had its origin. “However, for myself; as soon as the news of Catherton’s escape from the French frigate reached the States by another ship, I started again, with a vow on my soul to roam the world, until I should hunt him down. Year in and year out, wherever there was a prospect of meeting him—on the African and Brazilian coasts—on the Spanish Main—and in the sea-ports of the East, I sought him with a hatred which gathered intensity from time. Twice I heard of him in command of a free-cruising craft, and once in Port Royal he narrowly escaped me. The third time, as sailors say, is lucky—the saw lied though, in this instance,” said the mate, hoarsely, “for I found him three days ago, cut in two by a round-shot, on the quarter-deck of yonder schooner.” We started to our feet as he said this, partly from surprise, and partly because we heard the boat-swain’s mates at the hatchways. The second day after that the Constitution was lying at anchor with her prize in the bay of Naples; and to have seen Harry Miller gazing out of a port at the world renowned shores which environ it—or turning his back on a crowd of chattering officials, whom curiosity brought off to the schooner—or in a shore-boat, with a party on leave of absence, you never would have supposed, from the look and bearing of the man, that he had been the relator of that wild yarn. * * * * * THE ACTUAL. Away! no more shall shadows entertain; No more shall fancy paint and dreams delude; No more shall these delusions of the brain Divert me with their pleasing interlude: Forever ere ye banished, idle joys; Welcome stern labor-life—this is no world for toys! * * * * * THE PLEDGE. BY JOHN NEAL. Sampson was a Nazarite. He drank no wine nor strong drink; and so long as he kept the pledge and the secret of his strength, was indeed a giant. Read the scripture narrative. “Then went Sampson down. . . . And behold a young lion roared against him. “And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid; and he had nothing in his hand.” Judges xiv. 5, 6, etc. Brothers! we have pledged ourselves, Like the mighty man of old, By a vow that bindeth fast, By the Future! by the Past! By their banners now unrolled! That the secret of our strength, Unacknowledged—unrevealed— Setting us apart from others, Undefiled, O, Giant Brothers! Shall forever be concealed: Never to be told on earth, Never breathed aloud in prayer— Never written—never spoken— Lest our awful vow, if broken, Bring us bondage and despair.