It was a moment to prove the heart of man, that in which Harry Mulford, in the darkness of midnight, alone, unsustained by any encouraging eye, or approving voice, with no other aid than his own stout arm, and the unknown designs of a mysterious Providence, committed his form to the sea. For an instant he paused, after he had waded down on the wreck to a spot where the water already mounted to his breast, but it was not in misgivings. He calculated the chances, and made an intelligent use of such assistance as could be had. There had been no sharks near the wreck all that day, but a splash in the water might bring them back again in a crowd. They were probably prowling over the reef, near at hand. The mate used great care, therefore, to make no noise. There was the distant object, and he set it by a bright star, that wanted about an hour before it would sink beneath the horizon. That star was his beacon, and muttering a few words in earnest prayer, the young man threw his body forward, and left the wreck, swimming lightly, but with vigor. [_To be continued._ * * * * * TO IANTHÉ. Sweetest Ianthé, I can read thy features, And tell the latent meaning of each look— Thou most inscrutable of earth’s bright creatures; Thou unread riddle in an open book— To me thou art a clear and crystal brook, And I need be no wonder-raising seer To tell thee that thy brow of Parian stone Is radiant with pure thought; that deep and clear Thine eye is lighted from the soul alone. That on thy tranquil nostril Courage sleeping Heeds not the fears that Reason smiles to see; That from the dimples round thy mouth are peeping Sweetness and mirth and heavenly charity— Thy glances—nay, look up—I’ll read them silently. * * * * * SPECTRAL AND SUPERNATURAL APPEARANCES. BY R. BALMANNO. Belief in the supernatural has obtained credit in the world from the earliest records with which we are acquainted. The Grecian and Roman histories are full of it; even the Sacred Volume contains instances of spectral or preternatural appearances, which can neither be denied nor explained. In all civilized nations, at all times, up to the present period, we have testimony of unequivocal authority, giving minute details of extraordinary facts, on the evidence of individuals of unimpeachable integrity, which confound experience, elude investigation, and baffle research. The wisest of our divines, and the most accomplished of our philosophers are all forced to admit that there are things, with which human comprehension and reason cannot successfully grapple.