The Isle of Pines

by Ambrose Bierce

For many years there lived near the town of Gallipolis, Ohio, an old man named Herman Deluse Very little was known history, for neither speak of it himself nor suffer others common belief among his neighbors that he pirate--if upon any better evidence than his collection of boarding pikes, cutlasses, and ancient flintlock pistols, no one knew He lived entirely alone in small house of four rooms, falling rapidly into decay and never repaired further than was required weather It stood on slight elevation midst of large, stony field overgrown with brambles, and cultivated in patches and only most primitive way his only visible property, but could hardly have yielded him living, simple and few as were his wants always ready money, and paid cash for all his purchases village stores roundabout, seldom buying more than times same place until lapse of considerable time He got no commendation, however, equitable distribution patronage; people were disposed to regard it as an ineffectual attempt to conceal his possession of money That he had great hoards of ill-gotten gold buried somewhere about his tumble-down dwelling was not reasonably doubted by any honest soul conversant facts of local tradition and gifted with sense fitness of things

9th of November, 1867, the old man died; his dead body was discovered 10th, and physicians testified that death had occurred about twenty-four hours previously--precisely how, they were unable ; post-mortem examination showed every organ absolutely healthy, with no indication of disorder or violence According , death taken place about noonday, yet the body was found in bed The verdict coroner's jury he "came death by visitation of God " The body was buried public administrator took charge estate

rigorous search disclosed nothing more than was already known dead man, and much patient excavation here and there premises by thoughtful and thrifty neighbors went unrewarded The administrator locked up the house against the time property, real and personal, sold by law with view to defraying, partly, the expenses sale

The night of November 20 was boisterous furious gale stormed across the country, scourging it with desolating drifts of sleet Great trees were torn earth and hurled across the roads So wild night had never been known in all that region, but toward morning the storm had blown itself out of breath and day dawned bright and clear At about eight o'clock that morning the Rev Henry Galbraith, well-known and highly esteemed Lutheran minister, arrived on foot at his house, mile and half Deluse place Mr Galbraith for month in Cincinnati He had come up the river in steamboat, and landing at Gallipolis the previous evening had immediately obtained horse and buggy and set out for home The violence storm had delayed him over night, and morning the fallen trees had compelled him to abandon his conveyance and continue his journey afoot

"But where did you pass the night ? " inquired his wife, after he had briefly related his adventure

"With old Deluse 'Isle of Pines,'" {1} laughing reply; "and glum enough time I had of it no objection to my remaining, but not word could I get out of him "

Fortunately interests of truth present conversation Mr Robert Mosely Maren, lawyer and litterateur of Columbus, the same who wrote the delightful "Mellowcraft Papers " Noting, but apparently not sharing, the astonishment caused Galbraith's answer this ready-witted person checked by gesture the exclamations naturally have followed, and tranquilly inquired: "How came you in there ? "

Mr Maren's version of Mr Galbraith's reply:

" light moving house, and being nearly blinded sleet, and half frozen besides, drove in gate and put up my horse old rail stable, where now I then rapped door, and getting no invitation went in without one The room was dark, but having matches candle and lit it I tried to enter the adjoining room, but the door was fast, and although I heard the old man's heavy footsteps in there no response to my calls no fire hearth, so one and laying [sic] down before it with my overcoat under my head, prepared myself for sleep Pretty soon the door that I had tried silently opened old man came in, carrying candle I spoke to him pleasantly, apologizing intrusion, but no notice of me searching for something, though his eyes were unmoved in their sockets I wonder if he ever walks sleep circuit part way round the room, and went out the same way he had come in Twice more before I slept back room, acting precisely the same way, and departing as at first intervals I heard him tramping all over the house, his footsteps distinctly audible pauses storm When I woke morning he had already gone out "

Mr Maren attempted some further questioning, but was unable longer to restrain the family's tongues; the story of Deluse's death and burial came out, greatly good minister's astonishment

"The explanation of your adventure is very simple," said Mr Maren "I don't believe old Deluse walks sleep--not present one; but you evidently dream in yours "

And view matter Mr Galbraith was compelled reluctantly to assent

Nevertheless, late hour next night found these two gentlemen, accompanied by son minister, road in front old Deluse house light inside; it appeared now at one window and now at another The three men advanced door Just reached it there came interior confusion most appalling sounds--the clash of weapons, steel against steel, sharp explosions as of firearms, shrieks of women, groans curses of men in combat ! The investigators stood moment, irresolute, frightened Then Mr Galbraith tried the door fast But the minister was man of courage, man, moreover, of Herculean strength He retired pace or two and rushed against the door, striking it right shoulder and bursting it frame with loud crash In moment the three were inside Darkness and silence ! The only sound beating hearts

Mr Maren had provided himself with matches and candle With some difficulty, begotten excitement, light, proceeded to explore the place, passing from room to room Everything was in orderly arrangement, as it left sheriff; nothing disturbed light coating of dust was everywhere back door was partly open, by neglect, and their first thought the authors awful revelry escaped The door was opened, light candle shone through ground The expiring effort previous night's storm light fall of snow; there were no footprints; the white surface was unbroken They closed the door and entered the last room four house contained--that farthest road, in an angle building Here the candle in Mr Maren's hand was suddenly extinguished as by draught of air Almost immediately followed the sound of heavy fall candle hastily relighted young Mr Galbraith was seen prostrate floor at little distance others dead In one hand the body grasped heavy sack of coins, which later examination showed all of old Spanish mintage Directly over the body as it lay, board torn from its fastenings wall, and cavity so disclosed evident bag taken

Another inquest was held: another post-mortem examination failed to reveal probable cause of death Another verdict of "the visitation of God" left all at liberty their own conclusions Mr Maren contended young man died of excitement