The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1855-12-13
THE GHOST-RAISER.

hy Uncle Beaglg, who commenced his
commercial career very early in the Pc.
sent century as bagman, will tell stories
Among them, he tells his single ghost
story 80 often, that am heartily tired Of
IT. ln sell-delence, therefore, publish the
tale in order that when next the good, kind
old gentleman eaers to bore us with it
everybody may say they know it, remem.
Der every word Of it. ..
One fine autumn evening, about forty
years ago, | was travelling ON horseback
from Shrewsbury to Chester, fcltlolerably
tired, and was beginning to look out fol
some snug way-sidc inn where | might
pass the night, when sudden and violent
storm came on. Ny horse, terrified by
lightning, fairly took TIE bit between his
teeth and started off with me full gallol
through lanessnd cross roadsuutilatlengtl
| managed to pull him up just near the
door OF a neat looking country inn.
Well, thought !, "there was some
thing 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 hostler.
The inn kitchen, which was also the guest
DOM, was large, clean, neat and comGor-
liable, very much Ike the pheasant host
lery described by Izaak Walton. Where
were Eeveral travele already in the room
probably, like myself, driven there for
shelter-and they were all warming them
selves by the blazing lire wIhle waiting
for supper.
joined the party Presently, being
summoned by the hostess, we all sat down,
twelve in number to smoking repast Of
bacon aud eggs, corned beef and carrots,
and stewed hare. ...
The conversation turned naturally on
the mishaps occasoned by the storm, OF
which every one seemed 10 have Lad his
uIl share. One had been thrown off his
horse; another, driving gig, lad been
lPset into muddy dyke all had got a
norQuyh wettiug, and agreed unanimous
y that it was dreadful weather. wi;c s
WITCHES and ghosts prefer for THEN
'hbath fno moonlight uight to sue
weather as this -
These words were uttered in a mi
one, and with Strong emphasis, by one oj
tie company. He was a tall dark looking
man, and | had set him down in my owr
mind as travelling merchant or peddler
My next ncighbor was II gay, well looking
iashionably dressed young man, WHO,
bursting into a peal of laughter said:
"You must know the manners and Gus,
toms of ghosts very well, 10 be able to tel
that they dislike getting wet or muddy"
The first speaker, giving him dark
look said
Young man, speak not SO lightly oI
things above your comprehension u
DO You mean to imply that there are
such things as ghosts ?"
Perhaps there are if you had courage
o look at them
The young man stood up, flushed viii
anger. But presently rcSuming his sea
he said camly:
That taunt should cost you dear if i
were not such a foolish one.
"a foolish one !" exclaimed the mer
chant, throwing on the table heavy leath
er purse.
There are fifty guineas am conten
to lose them, if, before the hour is ended
| do not succeed in showing you, who ar
too obstinately prejudiced, the form of an.
one of your deceased friend ; and if afle
you have recognized him. you allow hin
to kiss your lips"
We all looked at each other, but m
young neighbor, still in the same mockin
manner, replied p
"You will do that, will you =
"Yes," said the other -" will 70
stake these fifty guineas, on condition thu
you will pay similar sum if you lose.
Afer short silence, the young ma
said gaily: ...
"Fitty guineas, my worthy sorcere
are more than a poor college slzar eve
possessed, but there are five, which if yo
are satisfied, | shall be most willing
wager"
The other took up his purse, saying,
Il conlemptuous tone;
young gentleman you wish to dra
I back" .... ............ ...
Draw back !" exclaimed the studen
Well, if | lad the fily guneas, you shouI
see whether l wish to draw back p
"Here said he, are four guineas, whic
will stake on your wager"
No sooner had he made this propositit
!. han the rest Of the company, attracted
he singularity of the affair, came forwa
lay down their money and ina mlnu
i n two the fifty guincas were subscribe
The merchant appeared 50 sure ofwinnlr
hat lie placed all the stakes in the student
hands, and prepared for his e&perlmeI
!, We selected tor the purpose, snail sur
, mer-house in the garden, perfectly isolate
~ and having no means OF exit but windo
,e and door, which We carefully fastened. !
ter placing the young man within. v
ts put writing materials on asmall table in L
lc summer-house and took away the candle
II We remained outside with the peddl
Nd I'M ngsL us. In low solemn. voice
be yan to claunt the following lines:
"What riseth slow from the ocean caves,
And the stormy turf2 .....s
The phantom pale sets his blackencd foot
IN On the fresh green turf" ..
Then raising his voice solemny he sal