Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1843-10-14

er in profundity.
Midnight came--the witching hour
of midnight, when ghosts are said to
shake off their wooden surtouts and
revisit mortals beneath the glimpse OF
the moon. The great clocks in the
hall, as If alarmed at being alone, be-
gan to ke,and as The sonoTous echoes
reverberated through the long vaulted
passages, those who were not yet sleep
ing, or were awoke by its spirit stirring
Sounds, shook beneath the influences
OF the hour, and drew the bed clothes
lightly over their heads, as they coun-
ted every fall of the hammer. The
last stroke was still swelling upon the
ear-silence had not resumed its per-
feet sway-when suddenly there arose
within the building the most piercing
rotes--it was like The burst of hun
dred northerly gales through a thou
sand crannies-il was louder than le-
gion Of young pigs, all mounting TO
the highest bar Of the stye--it was
more shrilling than the shreks Of myr-
lads CT screech owls, joining in one
universal chorus over the slain upon
the battle-6eld--and it was succeeded
by several hoarse voices from stentori-
an lungs, shouting with all their might.
Instantly there was a response still
louder, and the tramping of many
heavy feet upon the stairs
Up sprang the landlord almost par
alyzed with fright, convinced that the
house must be on fire, and thrusting
his legs through the pocket holes of
his wlfc's petticoat, and his arms thro'
the legs Of his small clothes, he rush
ed oul upon the landing-place, follow
ed by his better half, enveloped in the
coun,erpane, and her finely be-ribbon-
ed day leap, (Which, in spite of her
hurry, she had found time to exchange
for her night dress) hind part before.
Open flew the bedroom doors-out
popped skulls developed in all colors,
shouting" Fire!" and fhieves!" -
down came the walters and hand-mai-
dens half undressed-up rushed the
cook in the ostltr's boots and such an
assemblage as was congregated there
upon that landing (whilst The banisters
displayed many railing head) vas
never seen before. There was run
ming TO and fro in all directions. One
cry, one universal cry prevailed, and
:. What's the matter?" was asked and
by every tongue except that
of Captain $, who, in his full uni
form, looked over from his suite OF
partments, and seemed TO be quietly
enjoying the sport. Every one cried
TO him for explanations they raised
their eyes, dolefully beseeching, TO his
merry phiz. "What's the matter9"
.-.es again nus-aa - oil tifo- different
cadences of the vocal powers OF hui
"Oh, do Mt be alarmed" said the
Captain, .soothingly, as he shed upon
them the light of bewitching smile,
Sc am sorry you have been disturbed
very sorry indeed 1.-The oilers are
not wanted"
i" For Heavens sake tell rs what's
the matter, Captain S." entreated
mine host, where are the thieves?"
+" Thieves, Mr.. -" responded
the Captain, angrily, as he descended
the stairs-"thieves! how dare you
presume to use such epithets in refer
ence to one of the seamen in His Ma
lesty's service? Take care sir, such in
solencr deserves severe chastisement
and shall have it, too, If it is repeated;"
and he drew himself up menacingly in
front Of the proprietor, who, already
panic stricken, retreatcd behind his
wife.
"Do, pray, il you can. relieve our
minds, Captain $" implorcd the
lady, aud all hands Joined in the en-
treaty.
" Certainly, madam" replied the
bowling Captain, shall be truly hap
py to do so; and perhaps, as most pres
ent are landsmen, il may be of service
to them To understand the difference,
so as not to jump upon deck ill they
hear the hands turned up-l presume
YOU allade to the piping that has recent
~ been heard; assure you IL i. al
ways my custom when have a CON-
nand ashore--it was merely my boat
swans mate calling for the starboard
watch" lie looked up: "Yo hoy
there! Jack, Bill aud Tom. where are
you?" Out bottled three stout seanen
rom ono of The roons- who resnonlaa