Eastern times., 1854-09-28

nesses declared to be true.
The Windermere ghost became the general
theme of conversation and the road was
abandoned by all who were acquainted with
the tale, and could reach the lake by more
public thoroughfare.
small public house in the suburbs Of Kendall,
to drink their ale, and discuss the news of the
day. These were chiefly farmers and sheep
graziers from the moors and fells, who had
disposed of the fatlings of their f1ocks at the
market, and were returning in body to their
lonely homes among the hills. The centre of
this group, and man of no small importance
among them, was the big butcher of Kendal.
He had been large purchaser and the jolly
yeomen had flung back few shillings from
the money they had received, to furnish gen.
eral treat-big Wat being placed in the chair,
as the great man of the company.
This was an honor the burly butcher never
failed to abuse. AS the fumes of the ale be-
gan to ascend into his head, he grew loud and
quarrelsome, engrossing ali the conversation
to himself, while his clustering manner and
illnatured jokes so disgusted his companions,
that one by one they silently rose to depart,
dreading, by word or action, to rouse into
active operation the mischievous disposition of
the man.
The guests at the 'Holly-Tree had all
dropped away, until the butcher and one young
man, who had been silent spectator of the
scene, alone occupied the chimney corner.
This person, who was vastly superior in his
appearance to the men who had lately filled
the table, was dressed in the grey home-spun
cloth of the country, and looked like a wealthy
yeoman of the middle class. To Robinson he
was a stranger, and that worthy continued TO
eye him with a sinister glance Of curiosity and
inquiry.
The landlord entered to throw on fresh
billet of wood, for it was winter, and the night
was very cold.
Is the moon up, Lowther!' = said the yeo-
man, rising to his feet, and buttoning his
SICdt OOoI up W tIiO Ohiu. ~ 10 IiHAO WoS
on the road
yes, Mr.. Lethwaite, she has been up some
time, but, sir, if were in your place, would
never travel that road at midnight
Why, what the deuce is the matter with
the road! Are you troubled with robbers in
these parts?'
No - tho road &c hountod
Haunted y exclaimed the yeoman, burst
ing into merry laugh.
Yes, sir; haunted, and by the devil, sir
saw him with my own eyes, and you know,
sir, the old saying, seeing is believing
'Humph and what was the devil like1'
Like, sir! why nothing human. He was
as hairy as a buffalo, with huge white horns,
a long whisking tail, and cloven feet
'Oh, no the old story. never saw the
devil, and have no great wish to make his ac-
quaintance tonight; but it is not an idle
womans tale that will prevent me from taking
the nearest road home. Pray order your man
to saddle my horse quickly, tor l have over
stayed my time already
The landlord hastened to give the necessary
orders, and Robinson, who had been listening
to the yeoman, with half sneer, now turning
hastily round, addressed him abruptly, and
without ceremony
you wish US to think you are very brave
man, Mr. Lethwaite, if that is your name.'
THAT is to me matter of perfect indiffer-
ence,' returned Lethwaite, haughtily, and sur
veying the hurley butcher with stern glance;
{ the man who has faith in himself cares little
for the opinion of Others
No offence said Robinson, who did not
like the fiery glance of his companions eye:
: but if you are determined upon returning to
Windemere by the cross road, it is the duty
of a friend to warn you Of your danger
Danger what, the idle tale | have just
heard none but coward would turn from
his path for gossip's fable
Men as brave as you can be have sailed
forth at nightfall, to bid defiance, as they said,
to all the powers Of darkness, and have re-
turned to their hearth at midnight as pale as
the sheeted dead. There is not a man in
Kendall cried the excited butcher, striking his
huge fist the oak table, until the glass upon
it chartered and rang again, that dare travel
that road tonight
am sorry to think that the descendants Of
the bold Kendall archers can have degenerated
into such flock Of geese said the yeoman.
have lived too long among the hills to be
frightened by shadows. My horse is at the
door; good night, sir
You are stark, staring mad, cried the
butcher, placing his huge person in the door
way, 10 attempt that road to-night-you will
return to the Iolly-Tre before morning,
half dead with fright
The young man smiled ihcredulously.
Sir, you disbelieve me.'
: [ think you very credulous.'
Fellow, do you take me for cowardl' re-
piled the butcher, the red blood rushing into
his hloated face You had better mind what
you say. With one blow could annihlate
Puny chap like yon.'
Real courage cannot be tested by mere an
imal strength said Lethwaite, calmly
David was dwarf to Goliah, but mental
c0nra0a .cd ~ coar NJ God corccorod III