Washington telegraph., 1854-10-04
The Haunted House.
BY MRS. c. F WINDLE.

ty on the river, become the subject Of con-
versation near me. | had often heard, pre-
viously, that a very interesting and romantic
tale was attached to its history, and was there
fore glad when some one present related the
following tradition in connection with it
But before proceeding to recapitulate it for
the benefit of such of your readers as may
never have heard it, would remark that
there are some on the boat who deny its
identity with another extant and more re-
markable tale which they allege to have
heard but do not recollect with sufficient
distinctness to narrate, it respecting the
same prescribed habitation-insisting that
the one l am about to relate is but we'll
known German legend misapplied.
The date of the story does not revert beyond
the stigma appertaining to the dwelling, but
commences at the period when in conse-
quence of strange and apparently supernat-
ural noises, constantly recurring for peri
cd of long continuance, it had been for some
time deserted and abandoned. 1t was at
crisis described, that the owner was dining
with party of gentlemen, when his ill-fated
property in the mansion in question happen
ed to become the subject of discourse
Among the company was retired sea cap
tain, newly arrived in New Orleans. by
whom the circumstances discussed were then
heard for the first time. Full of the brave
spirit of one who had repeatedly faced dan
ger in the pirates attack and the oceans
storm, he smiled at the notion OF house re-
naming untenanted from causes that seemed
to him so trifiDg. The arch curl that set
tied on his lip. as he listened to the remarks
that were made, did not escape the notice
Of the luckless proprietor Mortified at an
imputation upon his good sense and creduli-
ty, even thus tacitly expressed. the latter
grew warmer in describing the grievances
which were spoken of, and ended by asseve-
rating his conviction that there existed no
man, who could, by any possibility, remain
alone for the period Of three consecutive
days and nights, in the deserted DWELLING
The sea-captain Immediately arose, and
challenged trial on his own part, of any
wager that should be named The other
confident Of lis position, accepted the offer;
and in the presence of the assembly, the
stakes were laid at five hundred dollars.
The same night was fixed upon for the
commencement of the ordeal, The brave
captain prepared himself with sardines, bis
cult, cigars. and cogniac to undergo his self
imposed and lonesome vigil At twilight,
he was accompanied to the ghostly mansion
by its owner, and several of the witnesses Of
the wager, and conducted by them into an
upper chamber, which was selected as the
most proper spot for the trial that was to
follow. Here he was speedily left to dark
ness and himself
Keeping his wonted fearless heart how
ever, and scorning the power of superstition,
he struck light, and set about reconnoiter-
ing the premises. He first roamed through
the different vacant rooms on the upper floor
and then descended the partially dilapidated
staircase by which he had been escorted
above In few moments, he had visited
every chamber in the building except one,
This was large apartment, situated on the
lower story-probably used as the family
drawing room. in those days when the house
was inhabited Some barrier--whether
from without or within, he could not tell
prevented his entering, and after one or two
unsuccessful attempts he relinquished the
endeavor, and returned again to the place
appointed for his vigil The fact that one
apartment remained sealed from his observ-
alton made DO manner of impression On him,
but he applied himself to the edibles he
had brought. smoked cigar, and composed
himself to sleep.
Several hours elapsed, during which his
repose was undisturbed Just as the crow
ing of the cock, however, announced the
hour Of midnight, he awoke. At the same
instant be heard latch raised below, and
500 grating 0le511 flirEyee- 1f1e 1f1onpfrL
that the companions who had borne him
company on his arrival had found some ex-
cuse to return. Immediately suggested itself
to him and he was not surprised when the
sound of approaching footsteps the next in
slant became audible. But as these ascend
ed the stairway, the watcher perceived that
they were accompanied by clanking sound,
as of the dragging of a chain, and deep
noises resembling human groans. The cap
tain, on these indications, was seized with
astonishment, and upon their drawing near
er, he raised himself upon his elbow to be-
hold-he knew not what In another in
slant the door of his room opened tall
form, appareled in white, appeared before
him. and hollow voice addressed him with
the words
Wherefore do you intrude on the premi-
ses of the dead ?''
1t was not fright, but only amazement,
that held the veteran of the sea spell-bound
Tor space +; but he continued without the
power of motion until his visitant had dis
appeared, and could not be traced through
out the building.
During the whole of the following day,
the brave man did not cease to blame him.
self for the want of presence of mind thus