The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1858-07-15

me :" And this last ejaculation he re.

~AoN u6 re-
peated many times.
Much effort was made but not one word
would the host utter as to bis interview
with the Wood Fiend
On the following morning the people
went home in body.an they cleared the
wood without seeing anything to alarm
them.
I On the next market day the time was
so much spent in talking about the ter
rible fend of Monmouth Wood that the
sales Jagged. and the work was not done
until dark. After this hour most of those
who lived in and beyond Emmertou would
on no account 60 home. Yet few who
were not present on the preceding mark
ct day resolved to push on. They reach
ed the wood, and had passed half through
it when low, rumbling voice, like the
growing Of a wild beast. fell upon their
ears. 1t was so dark that they could see
nothing save the dim outlines of the road
and they were upon the point of pushing
on when-Mercy! A cry of horror burst
from their lips that made the wood re-
sound. There-dircctly before them
seeming to have come up bodily from the
earth-stood the Fiend He uttered a
terrific roar, and the foremost horseman
dropped from bis saddle. The others
turned back and fled in wild dismay.
When they reached the inn they found
one man missing. They dared not 60
back for him. They waited-one-two
three hours-until past midnight, and
then he came. He could only tell that
the moment be saw the Fiend he felt a
blow upon the head, and that he remem-
bered no more until be found himself ly-
in the grass. all alone, bis horse gone, and
his head dizzy and aching.
Ere long the country became aroused
The horrible spectre was often seen and
at length no one could be persuaded to
90 through the wood after nightfall. On
market day those who could do so fuish-
ed up their business and got home before
dark, while the less fortunate who chan.
ced to have their wares left on their bands
till sundown, were forced to remain all
night. Parties had scouredrthe woods
by daylight, but nothing could be found;
and the good people began to fear that
some dire calamity was to happen, for the
Fiend had distinctly spoken to travel
er, one night, the word "REvENGE."
It was nearly six month from the first
appearance of the Wood Fiend that Jack
Stanton returned to Enerton from a
cruise at sea. Jack was wild fellow
about thirty years of age. tho master of
the boxing and wrestling gangs, and lea
der in all athletic sports. He was pow
erful man-the most powerful in the coun-
try so far as physical strength was con-
cerned, and as bold aud fearless as be
was powerful. And he bad sound sense,
too.
Jack heard the story in all its lights
and shades, and be poDdered deeply up
on it He went to the host of the Hound
aud Stag, and having heard bis story he
shook his head and said twas dreadful
IL should Mt want to be caught in the
wood after dark" he said, as he turned
away.
"Oh ! you'd never see your home a.
gain p returned the host, very feelingly.
On the next market day Jack Stanton
was upon the ground. He went around
to all his friends from Emmerton and
bade them remain till after dark; but at
the same time cautiouning them to hold
their tongues, and be sure that no one
knew that he had told them what to do
After this he went to the inn, and there
in presence of the host and several guests,
be said that be did not believe there was
any 6end. or ghost at all.
II have been twice in the wood at
Dight," said be, "and haven't seen any
thing. What an old coward you must be,
Mark Hattom, to be afeared of yer imag
nation"
The host was very indignant at this
and replied that be guessed fend could
be seen there.
"At any rate" said he, IL shouldn't
want to venture there after dark"
"WelI, "retorted Jack, Give got good
horse, and l shall go home after dark
IF the ghost comes I'll see who can run
,he fastest, He cant catch my horse, l
know. But | don't believe in it. It's all
noonshine."
The inn keeper shook his head very
'olemnly, and said he hoped Jack would
be spared.
At length the shades of night settled
1own over the town, and over the wood,
Ind Jack ordered his horse. His friends
had remained at his request, knew
hat be must have some plan of his own
IN FOOT and they keptlquiet, but the host
md his wife tried to dissuade him. He
,nly laughed at them, and when his horse
vas brought be set out 1t was now fair
v dark, and the stars were all out, but
here was no moon. He went alone. and
ode leisurely along till be reached the
dge of the wood. Here he stopped and
'aving taken two heavy pistols from bis (
'osom be examined the priming by star
ight, and then placed them within bis
eathern belt, and moved on.
When about third Of the way trough