"The Ring of Amasis."

This weird uncanny tale of Owen Meredith sets before us, in strong relief, the dangerous theory of Fatalism.

The story is founded upon the fact of Count Raymond's finding with the mummy of Amasis of Thebes a signet ring, or amulet, engraved in hieroglyphics. The papyrus around the body explains as follows: "T--, King of Egypt, had his signet ring or amulet engraved with a riddle, and, ignoring the right of primogeniture, he declared it his intention to award the monarchy to that son who could solve the riddle. Sethos, the elder, and Amasis, the younger, were brought before him Sethos was silent,--Amasis read:--

"It was accordingly decreed that Amasis should sit upon the throne of his father, and Sethos bowed his head and was obedient." The fatalistic maxim of this ring so worked upon the already too morbid, sensitive nature of Count Raymond that, losing sight of the higher maxims of Christianity, he adopted Fatalism as his creed.

The story reaches its climax when, in applying his new theories, he allows his younger brother to drown before his eyes, whereas, by stretching out his hand he could save his life. The agony of remorse follows--even to a mania--but it avails him nothing. A life has been lost--and a life wrecked--to prove a theory. Too late he sees his fatal error,--forevermore those last words of Edmond are ringing in his ears--

"For the love of God, brother, hold out your hand!"--and in the hour of death they are the last that are heard from the lips of Count Raymond. Let us hope that in this world his retribution was complete, and that in the other the brothers did clasp hands to part no more forever.