Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1824-12-23
a BARBER,s GHOsT-n hct.

n DAhDEhC bilOS "A flct.
A gentleman travelling some years
since in pne of the southern states. CALI
ed at an inn, and requested entertain
| ment for the night. The host informed
him thatit was out Of his power to ac-
| commodate him, as his house was alrea-
dy full. lie entreated him to lodge him
| as he was almost exhausted with travelI-
ing, as well as bis beast.-After much
solicitation, the host consented to enter
tam him, prorided he would sleep in a
certain chamber, that had long remain.
ed unoccupied, in consequence of be-
lief that it was haunted by the ghost of
barber, who was reported to have been
murdered in that room number of
years since. Very WELL" said the guest,
Il am not afraid of the ghost; take care
OF my horse, and prepare me some sup
per-" After taking some refreshment,
he inquired of the host how, and in what
manner the chamber, in which he was
to lodge, was haunted. The host re-
piled, that those who had lodged in the
room, stated, that shortly after they re-
tired TO rest, an unknown voice was
heard, in trembling and protracted ac-
cent. saying, "Do you rant t. be sha-
Ued?" "Weil,o replied the guest, ''if he
comes will let bin shave me-" He then
requested that he might be shown to the
apartment; ia going to which he vas
conducted through long room, where
were seated great number of persons
at the gambling table. Feeling a Curl
oslty, which almost every one possesses,
after having heard ghost stories," he
carefully searched every closet in bis
apartment, but could discover nothing
but a large basin. Ie then went to bed;
but feeling much fatigued he did not
close his eyes to sleep Immediately,
(Which is often the case when one is ex-
cesslyely tired and in a few moments
he imagined he heard the voice as re-
presented to him by the host. lie arose
from his bed, and searched every part
ofhis chamber, but could discover no.
thing. He then went to bed--but no
sooner had he began to compose himself
to sleep, than the question was repeated.
He then arose and went to his window,
the sound appearing to proceed from
that quarter, aud stood awhile silent
After few moments of suspense, he "a
gain heard the sound distinctly. Con-
WINGED that it was from without, he o.
pened his window, when it was repeat
ed full to his ear. On closer exami-
nation he observed that the limb of "a
venerable oak" which stood under his
window, projected so near to the house,
as on every breath of wind to CRATE a.
gainst the singles, creating sound re.
sembling the interrogation, do yo,s
1cant TO be shae-ed2" Having satisfied
himself that this ghost was nothing more
nor less than the limb of tree coming
in contact with the house, he again went
to bed, and attempted TO go TO sleep;
but was now interrupted by peals of
laughter in the room below, where the
gamblers were assembled. Thinking
he could turn this discovery to lis own
advantage, he took the sheet from the
bed, and wrapped it around him, and
tdhiHS lHS udSiu Ill MS manu-. ueSCeIlU.Pu
to the room of the gamblers, and sud
denly opening the door, rushed in, e-x-
claiming in tremulous voice, "Do-
be-sha-vedw Terrified
at this sudden interruption, ther left
the room in the greatest confusion
some tumbled down stairs over
the heads of others. He then dehber.
alely put his basin under the table, and
gathered an immense sum Of money in
TO it, which had been LETT thereupon.
secured it, and retired peaceabIy to
rest.
The next morning, on going below, he
found the house in the utmost confusion.
they immediately asked hin. if he en-
joyed good nights rest lie replied in
in the affirmative. "Well, no wonder y
said the host, 'for the ghost instead of
going To his usual place, made mistake.
CAME into our room and carried of eve
~ cent of our money" The guest.
without being in the least suspected, aui-
city ate lis breakfast, and departed with
! his ya,IaLle treasure. Sssst*