Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1849-04-11
The Wizard ofss. GabclIc.

on wish 10 near gnost story, SAID
my Uncle Bayle, one evening, as we gath
cred about hi. chair-syou wish to hear a
ghost story; very well, you shall have
your wish. l will relate an incident OF
which myself was witness, and which
IS, therefore, strictly true
We drew still closer to the old gentle
man, and listened with the greatest inter-
est a. he related the following adventure:
One evening in autumn, full forty years
ago, was returning from Toulouse. l
had travelled all that day, having already
passed Autereve, where some friends Of
mine would have had me spend the night,
but I was resol, . | 10 push on to Saverdum,
which, you know, is three leagues distant
on the road. had arrived in front of the
monastery Of Boulbrenne, when suddenly
there burst forth terrible storm. In a
moment the night hcc7ine dark ana Inc
road impossible. l should have asked
shelter in the convent, but my horse,
frightened at sudden clap Of thunder,
dashed into narrow pathway 10 the left,
and bore me away in spite OF all l could
do. Notwithstanding the speed at which
he went, soon perceived that we were
on the direct road 10 st. Gabelle. And
when, at last, my horse slackenea .a.;;<
pace, which he did of his own good will,
/ found myself before the village inn.
Ientered. The guests were numerous,
among whom observed several Spanish
merchants, and some hunters, who like
myself. had been overtaken by the storm.
We dried our clothes by the FIRE; after
which supper was announced, and we sat
down TO the table.
The conversation FIRST turned upon the
stormy weather and the badness Of the
roads. One said he had been thrown from
his horse; and he had been full hour ex-
tricaing his horse and wagon from mud
hole.
1t is horrible weather. said thid.-
Just the time for ghost. and witches
Although this was but natural remark,
it gave rise to lively conversation.
'Sorcerers and spirits choose clear,
moonlight night to hold their orgies in
preference 10 such one as this
We turned to look at the author of this
observation. and saw it was one Of the
Spanish merchants.
1T would seem that the gentleman was
familiar with the customs Of ghosts ex.
claimed young man by my side, 'snd tina,
they have told him that they like neitlser
to get muddy OF wet
Young man, said the Spaniard, casting
terrible glance at the last speaker, speak
not so lightly on subject with which yo,
are not acquainted
Would you like TO make me believe il
ghosts?' returned the young man disdain
fully. -
Perhaps replied the Spaniard, sif 20,
have sufficient courage to look on them.
Flushed with anger, the young maj
sprang to his feet. In a moment, how
ever, he Gained himself, and sat dcwr
again saying:
tYou should pay dear for that remark
were it not uttered by madman.'
"A lnadman!' echoed the other, arisin.
in his turn. 'Listen!' he added, strikin,
the table with his fist, and throwing dowl
n heavy leather purse. Here are thirt,
quadruples which am willing to lose,
within an hour, I do not call up before
your face the figure of any deceased per
son you shall name, even. though he ha.
been dead ter years; and ii, after recog
MIXING him, you dare t. allow him to i'm
print kiss upon your lips
You will do that?' said the young maj
with scornful smile.
yes replied the Spaniard. ION condi.
ton that you lose the same amount il
succeed
Thirty quadruples, my worthy conju
rer,' said the young man, gaily, after
moments silence, lis more than SUDDEN
Of Toulouse ever possessed; but If yo,
will reduce the stake TO five am you,
man.
The Spaniard took up hi. purse ant
sill, All, you refuse, monsieur
4 refuse! echoed the other. IF on
" had the thirty qaadruples, you woul'
ses.'
Here are four, said !. (which l add L
YOUR stake. sszzsasssss@
Several others followed ing ,examflc