SPIRIT AND MORTAL.--FATHER AND DAUGHTER.
"At this point, Mr. Flagg, I wish you to carefully note the significance
of the strange event which soon followed. Christmas Eve, 1903, found me
here alone, seated at my desk, alternately reading, musing and writing.
All day a terrific snow storm had been raging, at nightfall it continued
with increased severity. I could hear the fierce gale shriek as it
lashed the tree tops furiously. I shuddered when I thought what danger
such a gale might mean to the good steamer, bearing my father homeward
bound across the rough, icy waters of that far off wintry sea; that
yawning, terrible, treacherous sea!
"During the afternoon I had been nervous and lonely. As a solace, I had
a long talk from my mother through the trumpet, which cheered and
comforted me greatly, especially her confident promise that I should
hear from papa even sooner than I had hoped. Over this I was musing when
a strange thing happened. I was startled by the low tones of a familiar
voice from the trumpet. Almost frozen with fear, I heard: 'Do not be
frightened, my darling; I am your father, Fennimore Fenwick, who loves
you, if possible, more than ever. A frightful storm wrecked the steamer
and released me from my body. Nearly all of the passengers and crew
perished with me. A few still survive; they are in a single open boat,
tossing helplessly in the awful surge of that wild waste of water,
possibly they may yet be saved. My dear wife, Martina, your own
beautiful mother, was watching and waiting for me at the scene of the
wreck. Hers the beautiful arms that welcomed me as I was born into the
new life of the spirit. How glorious it was that she, so dear to me,
could be there. In the radiance and splendor of all her spiritual
loveliness, I was charmed almost to the point of forgetfulness. I seemed
to be floating on the bosom of a sea of golden mist, my spirit filled
with a measureless contentment. Presently I awoke to a vivid
consciousness of my new life. In the light of the loving eyes of my
peerless Martina, I was soon made to realize that I had just passed
painlessly from life mortal to life spiritual. I perceived that time and
space no longer barred the flight of my freed spirit. Hand in hand we
came; almost before I knew it we were here. Thanks to your mediumship,
and to this trumpet, I could come and speak to you so soon. Yes, my dear
child, we three, a loving trio, are still united just as of yore. I
shall be permitted to help you, from this side of life, to carry out and
complete my plans and purposes regarding improved modes of farm life. I
wrote you from Alaska on the fifth of this month, announcing my
intention of sailing on the tenth; that letter came by a Victoria
steamer and will soon reach you. At that time I was weighed down by a
premonition of some impending disaster. So seriously was I impressed,
that I at once made arrangements with Dewitt C. Dunbar, in case of my
death, to continue to operate the mine in partnership with you on the
terms now in force, and this he was perfectly willing to do. By the
terms of my will, now in the hands of my attorneys at Washington, you
are at this moment, sole heir to my large fortune. As you know, I long
ago placed my brothers and sisters beyond the reach of want. Well do I
know, my dear girl, that I can trust you perfectly, to carry forward my
work.'
"As his voice ceased to vibrate in the trumpet, I sprang to my feet
with outstretched and imploring hands: 'Father!' I cried, 'How can I do
this work alone? I am yet but a child, with a very limited business
experience to fit me for this great responsibility.' He at once replied:
'Fear not, my child. Faithful, capable, and trustworthy help shall be
brought to you. At all times I shall be near, to advise, and to guard
you and your interests. Go forward bravely in the conscious power of
your own potential spirit, dominant and dauntless. Armed with the
majesty and mystery of your mediumship, all obstacles shall yield, and
naught shall prevail over you!' This prophetic command, so thrilling, so
imperative, touched and stirred my inner self; my soul responded to the
appeal. In one brief moment I regained my self control; was calm, could
think clearly and reason logically.
"At intervals throughout the night I continued to consult with my
parents. My father advised me to write at once, announcing his death,
and requesting Mr. Dunbar to fix a time at which he could meet me in San
Francisco, for a conference. This I did at the earliest practicable
moment."