ut, at the period of which I write, all over and around it was
almost an uninterrupted wilderness. The southern, or rather the
southwestern side is nearly perpendicular, and fronts towards the
celebrated Table Rock in Greenville District, S. C. From its summit,
this rock, as well as many other curious and interesting objects, is in
full view. The whole scenery in that direction is, perhaps, unsurpassed
by any in the whole mountain range; and, consequently, "Caesar's Head"
was one of Daniel Kelford's favorite places of resort.

One day he went to visit this spot, and, as he approached it, he
perceived an old man lying at the root of a tree, or rather leaning on
his elbow with his back resting against the tree, and his eyes, over
which the film of death was fast gathering, bent intently on the view
before him. Daniel went up to him with his usual indifferent appearance,
but ready to impart any assistance that might be in his power. As he
drew near, the old man turned to him and said--

"You have come at last: I was expecting you."

"And why were you expecting me?" asked Daniel.

"Because I knew that you were coming here at this hour," was the reply.

"And how knew you that?" asked Daniel.

"The means by which I obtained my information," replied the old man,
"may one day be familiar to you; but I have not time now to explain them
to you. Be content for the present to know that I have, or rather have
had, the power to gain information of future events. My time to leave
this world is now come, and I cannot look beyond the grave except, as
other mortals, by the eye of faith. I have inquired concerning you, and
know you better, perhaps, than you know yourself, though you never met
my eyes until now. I knew that I was to die at this hour, and that you
were to meet me here to see me draw my last breath, and to receive from
me this manuscript, which I have prepared expressly for you; for I know
your nature, your insatiate thirst for knowledge, your perseverance and
enthusiasm, and that you would improve the information herein contained.
I have written it in your own language. Take it, it is yours; but do not
break the seal that binds it until I am buried."

Daniel took the roll which the old man extended to him, and begged that
he might go for assistance.

"No," said the old man; "I want no company but yours. Death is not hard,
and I have but a few moments more to live. You see that I am calm; I,
who have experienced almo