The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1852-10-15
THE GIIOsT-RAIsETs

My Uncle Beagley, who commenced
his commercial career very early in the
present century as bagman, wilI tell
stories. Among them, he tells his Single
Ghost story so often, that | AN heartily
tired Of il. In selfdefence, therefore, !
publish the tale in order tha, when next
tie good, kind old gentleman offers TO
bore us with it, everybody may say they
know il. remember every word of IL:
Que fine autumn evening, about forty
years ago, i was travelling on horseback
from Shrewsbury TO Chester. ! felt
iolerably tired, and was beginning TO look
out for some sung way.side inn, where !
might pass the night, when sudden and
violent thunderstorm came on. My
horse, terrified by the lightning, fairly
took the bride between his teeth, and
started off with me at full gallop through
lanes and crossroads, until at length !
managed TO pull him up just near the
door Of neat looking country inn.
SWELL" thoagh, ], ''ihere was wit in
your madness, old boy, since ii brought
us, TO this comfortable refuge" And,
alighting, gave him in charge TO the
stou, farmers boy who acted as os,ler.
The inn-kitchen, which was also the
guestroom, was large, clean, neat and
comfortable, very like the pleasant hostel
~ described by Isaac Walton. There
were several travellers already in the
room--probably, like myself, driven there
for sheliet--and they were all warming
themselves by the blazing fse while
waiting for supper. | joined the party,
Presently, being summoned by the hos
tess, We all sat down, twelve in number,
to smoking repast Of bacon and eggs,
corned beef and carrots, and stewed hare.
The conversation naturally turned on
The mishaps occasioned BY the storm, OF
| which every one seemed 10 have had his
full share. One had been thrown off his
bMse; another, driving in a gig, had been
lnpaet into muddy dixie: all lad got
| thorough weiting, and agreed unanimous
ty that i, was dreadful wealhcr--.aregulal
witches sabbath!
"Wiiches and ghosts prefer for thei'
sabbath fine moonlight night to such
weather as tbisw
These words were uttered in solemn
tone, and with strange emphasis, by one
of the compant. He was tall, dark
LOOKING man, and had set him down III
my own mind as travelling merchant Of
pedlcr. My next neighbcr was a gay
well.looking, fashionably dressed young
man, who, busting into peal Of laughter
said! as
"You must know the manners and Gus
toms Of ghosie very well, TO be able I,
tell that thoy dislike getting wet or mud
dy.'
The first speaker, giving him a darl
| fierce look, said:
Young man, speak not SO lightly o
things above your comprehension-"
aDo you mean TO imply that there ar
such things as ghOsts2"
"Perhaps there are, il you had courag'
10 look at them"
Ike young man stood up, flushed will
anger. But presently resuming mis- seat
he said calmly:
s1'bat taunt should cost you dear, il
were not such foolish one"
"a foolish onelr exclaimed the mer
chant, throwing on the table a heav
lsathern purse. "There are fifty guineas
am content TO lose them, II, before tn
hour is ended, | DO not succeed in show
ing you, who are go obstinalely preju
diced, the form Of any one Of your de.
ceased friends; and il, after you hav
recognized him, you allow him 10 kis
your lips"
We oil looked at each other, but m,
young neighbor, still in the same mock
ing manner, replied:
s.You will do that, will you9"
i eyes," said the other-M will stalk
these fif,y guinoas, on condition that yo'
will pay a similar sum, il you lose."
After short silence, the young maj
said gayly:
"Fidy guineas, my worthy sorcerer
are more than o poor college sizar eve
possessed; but here are five, which, !
you are satiefed, shall be most willipl
10 wager"