Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1858-11-04
(From The London Journal.l
The Haunted Roadside Inn.

Ioh.i Oh IhO y ppCl Hdu DCCOuC IlCl
through the custom which his house had for
many years enjoyed. All at once, however, at
fell off for travellers who had been in the
habit Of putting up there either avoided the
place altogether, or preferred the inferior &C.
commodations of another inn. OF the cause of
this decline of his trade he could not long re-.
main ignorant. The fact was, that this house
was haunted by ghost aud what traveller,
weary with his journey would like to have
his rest broken at night 10y the prankS of
spectre
Sigismund distant relative, who had an eve
on the fair Rosina, the only daughter of the
host, had of hate years been frequently at this
house, either on visits to the family, or when
travelling upon business lie was accustomed
always to sleep in the same room in the upper
story; and there he was destined to make the
discovery, so unlucky to bis kinsman, that the
house was haunted
One night when all the family had retired to
bed, and where in their first sleep SgiSmund
was aroused by the spectre. Almost beside him
self with terror, he rushed out in his shirt,
ready to break his neck down stairs, he called
up the master of the house. 1t was not with
out great difficulty that Robert could draw
from him an explanation respecting the nature
of the circumstance which had thrown him into
such vehement alarm. Having at length some
what recovered from the fright occasioned by
the apparation, he gave the landlord the fol-
lowing account.
'' | was fast asleep, when a white, death like
figure opened my door, which | had locked be-
fore | went to bed The noise awOke me- The
spectre had bunch of keys in one hand, and
in the other a lamp which gave but feeble
light. 1t walked past my bed, paced the room
several times, then set the lamp down on the
table, aud slipped into bed with me- | endea-
vored to cry out, but could not. Fear aud
horror paralyzed my senses. God knows how
got out of bed without falling a prey to the
hideous apparation !"
The trembling Robert awoke his people and
after maturey considering the pros and cons he
ventured, in their company, and well armed, to
approach the haunted chamber He found the
door fast. Sigismund, as far as he could recol-
lect had pulled it after him, that the ghost
might have less chance to Overtake him in his
fight As he had taken out the KEY of the
door after locking it when he went to bed and
laid it on the table that stood by his bedside, it
was found necessary to bring the key
before they could gain admission This was
accordingly done and all eyes looked round
for the spectre, but in vain-it was gone 81
giSmund, however, burst not resume possession
of his deserted bed for the remainder of the
night
Robert could not tell what to think of the
story of his kinsman. He was too we'll ac-
quia1ted with his character to suspect that he
was playing off a hoax he knew, too that he
,,oto nd +bor l.,
had, therefore, no just cause to doubt the ac-
racy Of his statement. At the same time, he
was vexed when he reflected that the spectre
might think fit to return his house would, in
consequence, get had name, and his business
might be ruined In spite, then, of his exceS-
Sive fear of ghosts, as there was possibility Of
deIusion, he deemed it incumbent on him to in
vestigate the matter more closely. To this end
he repaired, the following night, accompanied
by Peter, the most truSty of his people, well
armed to the haunted chamber He assigned
to Peter, the post OF danger and honor by the
door while he himself took possession of al
easy chair, at the rcmotest corner of the room
The great house lantern containing a lighted
candle, was placed on the table.
Long did they thus wait in vain for the visit
of the spectre Both of them found it difficult
| to keep their eyes open, and nothing but the
! supposed danger of their enterprise furnished
them with usual powers of vigilance. Sleep,
nevertheless began to exercise its deSpotic sway
| over the landlord. He could not help nodding
! and it was but now and then. and with incohe-
rent words, that he answered the observations
addressed to him by Peter. The latter, mean
while, heard, us he thought, something coming
up stairs, and imagined that he could diStin-
guiSh soft steps. The effect on his sleepy senses
was powerful and instantaneous He gave his
master notice of the impending attack. Sleep,
however, had complete power over the laud
! lord and, under these circumstances, Peter
deemed himself justified in leaving his post and
arousing his master, by no very gentle shake, to
the conflict. Both, trembling, drew their cut
lasses, and took post behind the Armchair
The spectre was already at the door, and the
bunch of keys which it carried ratified like
chains. The door opened, and the figure of a
living corpse presented itself 1t was covered
from head to foot by white shrond, walked
twice around the room, and then glded, with q
deep sigh, into the bed.
Glad to see the coast thus far clear, Robert
seized the lantern, and made precipitate re
treat down stairs-nOt only leaving his arms il
the possession of the enemy, but in his haste
dashed the lantern with such force against the
balusterS, that it was shattered to pieces
Peter, who at first appearance of tht
spectre, had squeezed his eyes together, and il
his fright commended his soul to all the saints
had meanwhile sunk on the floor behind tht
armchair. He saw nothing, heard but little o
what was passing about him, and awaited hi
senses-only served to increase his stupefac
ton
Robert hurried to his bed, without undress
ing, and covered himself over head and ears, il
the clothes SO low had his courage fallen afte
its late excitement. Next morning, at a verl
early hour, he called up his servants and family
and eagerly inquired how poor Peter was hu
no one had seen or heard anything of him sine