ly clever, and _proof
impressions_, (which we observe are advertised,) will soon find their
way into scores of scrapbooks.

* * * * *

The Sketch-Book.

THE SPIRIT OF THE STORM.

_(For the Mirror.)_

When the unfortunate Cedric (who had imbued his hands in the blood of
another,) was endeavouring by flight to a distant land to evade the arm
of justice, there existed a belief in a supernatural being, whose
exclusive office was,

_To guide the whirlwind and direct the storm_.

It was imagined that he circumnavigated the globe in a chariot of fire
that was wafted on the wings of the wind through the illimitable fields
of aether, but that he ever kept within the bounds of our atmosphere.
His course was preceded by thunder and lightning--and storm and tempest
followed him wherever he went. He visited every climate in succession,
and had a vast concourse of inferior spirits at his command. He never
paused in his terrible career, but to witness the shipwreck of a felon,
and then only was he visible to mortal view. He was The Spirit of the
Storm!

The recollection of this personage occurred to the mind of Cedric,
accompanied with no very pleasing associations, just as the Levantine
cleared the mouth of the harbour, and was bearing a full sail before a
propitious northern gale for India.

A quick voyage had almost brought the vessel successfully to the desired
port, when an accident, fatal in its termination occurred, which we
shall endeavour to relate.

There was on board an old man who had long been in the habit of reading
the almanac, observing the changes of the wind and moon, the rising and
setting of the sun, the degree of heat or cold, dryness or dampness of
the atmosphere, the form and colour of the clouds, the rising and
falling of the mercury, and several other similar indications of the
weather, who for his knowledge in these matters, had obtained the
epithet of "weatherwise," and indeed not without reason, for although he
might sometimes be wrong in his prognostications to the no small
amusement of others, and to his own mortification; yet in general they
were pretty correct, especially of the approach of a storm in a tropical
climate.

One fine evening whilst walking on the deck, he carelessly observed,
that there would be a heavy sea gale, accompanied by rain, before
morning. The captain of the vessel, who happened to be within hearing,
cursed the poor fellow for