The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-05-17

great man of the company.
This was an honor the bully butche,
never failed to abuse. AS tue fumes O
the ale began 10 ascend iuto his head, he
grew loud and quarrelsome, engrossino
all the conversation to himself, While hi:
clustering manner and i!l-natured Jokes
so dlssgusted his companions, that one by
one they silently rose to depart, dreading
10y word or action, to rouse into active
operation the mischievous disposition o
the man.
The guests at the "Holly-Tree" had al
dropped away, until the butcher and one
young man, who had been a silent spec.
tator of the scene, alone occupied the
chimney-corner. This person, who wa,
vastly superior in his appearance to the
men who had lately filled the table, was
dressed in the grey hone-spun cloth OF
the country, and looked like wealthy
veoman Of the middle class. To Robinson
he was stranger, aud that worthy con
tnued to eye him with n sinister glance
OF curiosity and inquiry.
The Landlord entered to throw on a
fresh billet of wood, for it was winter, snl
the night was very cold.
as the moon up, Lowther 7" said the
yeoman, rising TO his feet, and buttonino
his great coat up to the chin. at is time
was on the road"
ayes, Mr.. Lethwaite, she has been up
some time, but, sir, il were in your place
would never travel that road at mid
night"
"Why, what the deuce is the matter
with the road Are you troubled with
robbers in these par,s!"
mo, sir, the road is haunted"
"llauntedV exclaimed the yeoman,
bursting into merry laugh.
''ies, sir; haunted, and by the devil,
sir! | saw him with my own eyes, and
you know, sir, the old saying, seeing is
Believing"
"uump! and what was the devi! like I"
Like, sir : why, nothing human. lie
was as hairy as a buffalo, with huge white
horrs, Il long whsking tail, and coven
feet
"Oh, ho! the old story, never saw
the devil, and have no great wish to make
hrs acquaintance Tonight; but it is not an
idle wonan's tale that will prevent me
from taking the nearest road home
Pray order your mar to saddle my horse
quickly, for | have over-staycl my time
already"
The landlord fastened TO give the ne.
cessary orders, and Robinson, who had
been listening to the yeoman, with half
sneer, now turning hastily round, address
ed him abruptly, and without ceremo.
n.y.
"You wish US to think you very brave
man, MIR. Lethwaite, if that is your name"
THAT is to mea matter Of perfect in
difference" returned Lethwaite, hauyh,ily
and surveying the bully butcher with
stern glance; "the man who has faith in
himself cares little for the opinions of
Others"
mo offence" said Robinson, who did
not like the fiery glance Of his companions
eye; "but if you are determined upon re-
turning to Windermere by the cross road,
it is the duty Of friend TO warn you Of
your danger"
danger! what. the lille tale have
just heard; none but coward would
turn from his path for gossips fable"
"Men as brave as you be have sailed
forth at nighfall, TO bid defiance, us they
said, to all the powers Of darkness, and
have Eeturnsd to their hearth ut midnight
IA pale as the sheetcd dead. Theirs is not
q man in Kendall" cried the excited butch.
er, striking his huge fist OH the oak table,
until tue glass upon it chattercd and rang
again, "that dare travel that road TO-.
night"
I'll am sorry to think that the descen-
dants Of the old Kendall archers can have
degenerated into such flock Of geese"
said the yeoman. III have lived too
long smong The Hills TO be frightened by
shadows. Ny horse is at the door; good
night, sir"
"You are stark, staring mad" cried the
butcher, placing his huge person in the
doorway. ito attempt that road tonight
You will return 10 the 'Holly-Treo' be.
fore morning, half dead with fright"
The young man smiled incredulously
"Sir, you disbelieye mer
ii think you very credulons."
"Fellow, do you take me for COW.
ard 2" replied the butcher, the red blood
rushing into his bloated face. "You had
better mind what you say. With one
blow ! could annihilate puny chap like
you.p s- sd
"Real courage cannot be tested by mere
animal strength," said Letbwaite, calmly,
'Dayid was dwarf to Goliah, but men
ta courage and the fear Of God conquer
ed his gigantic foo. / d. not wish to
quarrel with you, sir. You believe in
ghosts ] do not. Good night.p
"Ahw quoth the butcher, shaking his
huge fist alter him, "the WipdeTInese
ghost shall punish you we'll for your dis.
belief" 81
Lethwaite's foot was In tho stirrup,
when sudden thought seemed TO stFiks
him II am not afraid ofghosts, Lowthei
hut / have some u,onev about me the