The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-10-05

ale N haneleSS uread SelZeu on me 4; eY-
cry tale Of horror, from "Mary the Maid
Of the Inn" to the last Radelffiun novel I
had read, rushed ut once to my memory ;
yet curiously mingled with these were Lu-
cy's arch looks and her lovers scornful
He dare not" Fear and shame strur-
glei for my possession the latter prevail
ed, and with trembling knees | reached
the top Of the staircase, and found myself
in long, dim room, ut the farther end
OF winch was doorway. had scarcely
remarked it, when again that dismal sound
issued from it, making, as it seemed to
me, the night air cold and damp as it pass
cd, and was slightly echoed back by the
walls beyond. My legs felt heavy, large
drops OF perspiration stood on my fore
head, and my breath seemed choking in
my breast. Still, urged either by curios-
lty or fear, proceeded onwards. Per-
haps there is eliminating point to fear,
and had passed it; or, more probably,
dared not turn back and have that dread
ful mystery following me; certain 1t is,
that at last reached the doorway, though
| never remember to have traversed so
long room before. The apartment |
now reached, and round which cast nv
fearful looks, was apparently more habit
able than any | had yet seen the window
even was furnished with sash, which
however, stood open. The groans, which
tor the last few minutes had been repeat
ed at regular intervals. now ceased, and
IN my first survey | saw nothing that
could have caused them. Partly reassur
ei, | entered, but soon slight rusting in
one corner attracted my attention, and
good Heavens could it he el-either nv
fear deceived me, or saw a coffin cast
look at the open window-it was not
far from the ground below. could cas.
ly Jump out-but no, an irresistible i'm
pulse drew Inc towards the Object Of my
fear. ] was within few steps Of it, when
suddenly hideous form started up, and
i knew nothing more until | found nv
self on mound Of tolerably soft earth
outside the ruin. II appeared that had
leaped ont Of the window, and as felt o.
my bones, heartily congratulated myself
that none Of them were broken.
"Whst was it after all I" asked the tac;-
turn gentleman.
"And pray" inquired Parker, "is it the
groanlng, the coffin, or the hideous form,
that you consider almos a ghost 7"
You shall hear (returned Walton).-
But where was | Oh, examining if any
Of the limbs were fractured. Well, had
just satisfied myself on that point, and
was in the act of gathering myself up,
when IN old woman, or rather a hideous
old hag, stood before me. "You old witch!
who are you!" / exclaimed.
81 am no WITCH" was the answer; "I
take care Of the babbey, and show it to
visitors. Maybe you are one; rumantic
young gentlemen sometimes comes o
nights, but | tooks you to be one of those
mischeevous boys that comes from The viii
lage plaguing me-"
"And are you not afraid Of being here
alone I" said I, with an inward shudder
as thought Of the fearful sight l had
seen.
Bless US, no, sir there's nothing to be
afeard on, except il | was took i'll on a
sudden it would be awkward. But as
mother, and grandmother afore she, died
liz fit, | sleeps in my coffin to be ali rea
dy If l!m took"
How ] hated the old hag forexplaininr
in such simple way the cause of my
terror! To think that an old woman
snoring between deal boards could have
SO unnamed me. Nevertheless, let no
one laugh until they have been placed il,
similar circumstances.
81 suppose Miss Lucy finely enioyed
your fright" remarked one of the friends.
| did no, give her the opportunity
When reached her home about mid
night, found the family in great alarm
at my absence. told them very con-
posedly where had been, expressed my
great admiration Of the ruins, and men.
toned incidentally the singularity of the
old woman choosing to sleep in her cof.
fin.
III wonder you were not frightened" !"
cried Lucy; "ifI had remembered It, I
would have warned you Of her foolish fan
cy."
ave Londoners," said I, "are not such
towards rs to dread ugly old women; we
think yonng ones much moro Danger
Gus"
"Then you consider thi, adventure al.
most ghost story 7" said the quiet friend.
about rs much SO as stories ever are
IF they be tue" observed Parker, with
. sneer.
Puzzle.