Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1854-04-14
THE GHOST RAISER.

stories. Among them, he tells his
single Ghost story so often, that | am
heartily tired oft. In self defence.
therefore, publish the tale in order
that when next the good. kind old gentle
man offers to bore us with il everybody
may say they know it. remember
every word Of it.
One fine autumn evening, about
forty years ago, / was travelling on
horseback from Shrewsbury to Chester.
I felt toerably tired. and was beginning
to look out for some snug way-side inn
where ] might pass the night. when a
sudden and violent storm came on
NY horse, terrified by the lightning.
fairly took the bit between his teeth
and started off with me at full gallop
through lanes and cross roads until at
length managed to pull him up just
near the door Of neat-looking country
inn.
well. Thought |. "thers was method
IN your madness, old boy, since IL
brought US to this comfortable refuge"
And alighting, gave him in charge
Of the stout farmers boy who acted as
ostler. The inn kitchen, which was
also the guest room, was large, clean,
neat and comfortable. very Ike the
pleasant hostelry described by Izaak
Walton. There were several travellers
alread In the room-probably. Ike my
self. driven there for shelser--and they
were all warming themselves by the
blazing Gre while waiting for supper.
joined the party. Presently, being
summoned by the hostess. we all sat
down, twelve in number. 10 smoking
repast OF bacon and eggs. corned beef
and carrots. and stewed hare.
The conversation turned naturally
on the mishaps occasioned by the
storm, Of which every one seemed 10
have had his full share. One had
been throw of his horse; another. driy-
ing in a gig. had been upset into n
dyke; all had got thorough wetting,
and agreed unanimously that II was
dreadful weather. regular witches
sabbath
switches and ghosts prefer for
their sabbath fine moonlight night 10
such weatheras thisl'
These words were uttered in a
solemn tone, and with strange empha-
sis. by one os the company. He was
a tall, dark looking man, and had
set him down in my own mind as a
travelling merchant or pedlar. My
next neighbor was a gay well-looking,
fashionably dressed young man, who
bursting into peal laughter said:
"You must know the manners and
customs of ghosts very we'll, to be able
TO tell that they dislike getting wet or
muddy"
The first speaker, giving him dark
fierce look. said:
"Young man. speak not so lightly Of
things above your comprehension"
''Do you mean TO imply that there
are such things rs ghosts?'
"Perhaps there are If you had
courage to look at them"
The young man stood up, flushed
with anger. But presently resuming
his seat he said calmly:
"That taunt should cost you dear
If II were not such foolish one."
"a foolish one' exclaimed the mer-
chant, throwing on the table a heavy
leather purse. There are fifty guin-
cas- | am content TO lose them. il
before the hour is ended, do not
succeed in showing you, who are SO
obstinately prejudiced. the form Of any
one Of your deceased friends; and IL
after you have recognized him, you
allow him to kiss your lips"
We all looked at each other, but
may young neighbor. still in the same
mocking manner. replied:
"You will do that, will youY"
EYES," said the other--''I will stake
these fifty guineas, on condition that
you will pay similar sum If you
lose"
After short silence, the young
man said gaily:
Fifty guineas, my worthy sorcerer.
are more than poor college sizar ever
possessed, but here are FIVE, which, il
you are satisfied. shall be most will
ing to wager.'t
The other took up his purse. saying,
in comtemptuous tone.
Young gentleman, you wish to
draw back"
IL draw back?" exclaimed the stu
dent.
"Well, IL I had the fifty guineas.
you should see whether l wish to draw
backr"
Here" said /, sare four guineas,
which l will stake on your wager"
No sooner had made this PROPOSE
ton than The rest o! the company, at
tracted by the singularity Of the affair;
came forward 70 lay down their money
and in minute or two the fifty guineas
were subscribed. The merchant ap-
peared so sure Of winning that he pla-
ced all the stakes in the students hands,
and prepared for his experiment. We
selected for the purpose small sum
mer-house in the garden. perfectly
isolated. and having no means Of exit
but window and a door, which we
carefully fastened, after placing the
young man within. We put writing
materials on small table in the sum-
mer-house and took away the candles.
We remained outside with the pedler
amongst US. In low solemn voice he
began TO chant the following lines;
"what rIseth slow rom the ocean caves,
And tho stormy turf :
The phantom pale sets his blaokened foot
On Tho irosh green turf"
Then raising his voice solemnly he
...I.