The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1856-06-07
MISCELLANEOUS.
Original.
GHOST sTORIE 8.

n cttDiN liAhN olhNC " 40 opVhNhS N'Nh
ing with an acquaintance, when the conver-
ss,ion turned on ghosts and wi ches. My
friend took the negative, anb to prove that
ghosts are not ghosts, after all, related some
anecdotes, the substance Of which Is as fol-
lows; Having some business to transact at
Milton, which was some distance from the
place where l resided, set out one bright
morning, expecting to return before nightfall.
was unavoidably detained by my business,
but finally having succeeded in arranging all
to my satisfaction, / started 10 return. The
most of my way lay through dense f1rest.
Nearly in the center of this was a large
stream Of water, crossed by means of a mar
row bridge, which was now nearly on level
with the water for the stream was unusually
high, being much swollen by the recent rains.
Now | was no believer in the supernatural,
which is SO much the terror OF the nursery
AMI Of the ignorant AMI surerstitious. So
did not hesitate to enter the dark path which
icd to my home, and my horse being well ac-
aulnt,d with the road, there was no danger
Of losing my solitary way, with cheerful
songs which were reverbcrated by the woods,
making nae almost feel had company but
had a long way to go, and began TO grow
weary with singrng and fell into a train Of
reelection. Hearing the screach-oBl directly
ever my heab ] was reminded Of what my
brother said 10 me in the morning, that my
boasted courage would be put to the test in
travelling through these WOODS for there was
a rumor current among many that the old
bridge was haunted every Friday night, that
a young lady who had thrown herself some
time previous, on account of the desertion Of
her lover, was seen every week on that night,
lingering about the bi1ge. She would walk
around short time singing snatches of a
song with sweet AMI plaintye voice, and
then walk TO the middle Of the bridge, lay off
her hat and throw herself over, pronouncing
her lovers name,
Now this happened 10 be Friday night,
and although l never credited the rumor,
thought l would take particular notice OF
every thing saw and if there was any truth
in the report, would fud it out. So when
] arrived resr the bridge l listened very
attentively for the voice, and found myself
growing more creduous than had anticipa-
ted. Not that l really believed it was haun-
ted, but there was sort Of vague, uudefna-
bic feeling which took possession of me and
did not know but the appariion might ap,
pear af er all. But certainly thought |, there
is no cause to fear, if lis only young lady,
for she must know am professed friend to
the sex and especially TO one whom vi net
now mention. So rode along trying to feel
very brave, but my courage was certainly at
very low ebb-The witching hour Of mid
night had now arrived, just the time for
ghosts and witches, though I.-Suddenly
heard slight rustlng among the dry leaves
and in family found my self most inteutly list
ening in the direction of the sound. My horse
picked up his ears, and appeared very rest
less. and every moment | expected 10 see a
beautiful spirit issue forth from its hiding
place. hered singing, was sure no, it
must be imagination there, heard it again,
and how delightfully."- it sounded. My culi-
osity was awakened and fear vanish be-
gan TO forget l was watching for ghost, and
f,ncied the voice was no. an unfamiliar one.
Presently a white figure glided out of the
woods, and moved slowly towards the stream
till its feet nearly touched the water where it
stopped. and sung part of. Nello Bly, Rather
queer song for spirit, thought l. 1 won
der if that is the sweet plaintive song, have
heard so much about. She must have rather
q1eer fancy 10 select such a song as fare
well to her faithless lover. No wonder he
deser ed her, l think him a wise man ]
no Y approached her, leaving my horse stan
ding few rods distant She did not seem
to notice me at all. lcaught her in my arms,
and found she did not vanish away, but was
really flesh and blood, and one whom above
all others longed 10 see. She was ASLEEP
and when / awsk, ned her, was very much
at ni,hed to find herselfin this strange place
The mystery was easily solved her father
was very singular person, noted for lis love
Of solitude. He lived on the banks Of the
stream, and his daughter who was a somnam
bulist, had habit of walking to the bridge
every evening at twilight, which accounts fol
her going ther in her sleep. The story of hei
being there every Friday and jumping off the
bridge, was an exageration. ! accompanied
her home, and warned he, father to have hel
room well secured, so as to leave no way 0
egress, and TINS prevent a repilion of hel
nocturnal walks. l returned home wei
pleased, that had discovered the cause o
the rumors of the Bird &C."