Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1860-02-01
mllscelialleous.
TEE PHANTOM EzORsEMAE.

The principls incident upon which the fol-
lowing tale is founded we had from person
we'll acquainted with the facts and the par
ties concerned The phenomena of the mys-
terious rider we DO not attempt to explain /; it
vas related as "a fact-as such we repeat it,
with such additions in relation to other mat
:ers connected with it, as fancy may dictate.
! The mighty visitant here mentioned, who
rode his cloudy steed fer 80 many years, at
regular intervals, through fair and through
fuul''-through rain. sleet, and snow-moon-
light, starlight, and the darkness of midnight
will probably De well remembered by mapy
persons uow living.
With these preliminary remarks. We pro-
ceei, begging the reader to remember that
imagination must supply most of the material
aside from the wonderful phenomena of the
dying horseman
The indalgeu. reader will please go with
Us to small town in the vcinage Of Boston
Il is rot ncedful that We name the village
HhiLher going, tell its origin. antiqui-
ty, population, or describe It's appearance at
the present day.
Vt the corner where two streets iutersec. ed
each other stood the dwelling to which we
now call attention. We will suppose it was
built II the old style, somewhat darkened by
time, and rather gloomy in general appear
ance, aud that the sEtlng-rcom was SO situat-
el that the front was towards one of
the streets, aud the side towards the other
street.
twas at thc close of cold January day.
There was cheerful fire blazing upon the
hearth, that sent forth its congenial warmth
despite the shrll pipings Of the wiutry wind
without. A~young lady was seated near the
window She held book in her hand, and
though her eyes were directed towards the
pages, 1t was evident that she saw not line
OF what was before her. She was quite young
but her exact age we are not able to tell. for
our informant forgot to enIigten US on that
subject, she was probably somewhere between
eighteen and twenty. She was very pretty,
and vas neat and tastefully dressed. 1t was
easy to perceive that she had been weeping
pFofusely; for her eyes looked red and swoll-
en. and on her knees lay vet pocket hand
kerchlef. She vas startled from the reyeric
into which she had relapsed by the sound ola
horses feet il rapid motion. A sudden blush
sulfussd the checks of Ellen. She locked in
to the street and saw a young man ride By
the window, preceded by small terrier dog;
we speak of the latter for reasons which the
sequel will show The horseman entered the
yard, fastened his steed, and Ellen soon
heard his footsteps upon the Threshold
go. Edward, why have you GOMEZ. she ex-
claimed, as the door was thrown open, aud
comely. though carewarn young man, came
in without ceremony.
DO you reproach me, also p be replied
sadly, though somewhat proudly.
Heaven forbid, Edward. L spoke only
on your account You know the danger YOU
incur By coming ,hither, and you know how
hopeless are our mutual wishes. Do not
blame me
What is danger, since-ife can no longer
be precious to me J"
Hope, Edward. hope
But why should hope? Your father still
continues immovabie, and i am well pers lad-
eo that in this respect he will never change
If, then, you wait for his consent. We shall
never be wed. feel as sure of it as If an
angel had told me-
But dare not disobey him; am under
solemn promise
Then We must indeed part forever
Ellen aYerted her head and sobbed audit |
bly,.
The period may arrive when you may
regret this STEP" replied Edward sorrow
fully.
/ regret the necessity that bids US part as /
deeply as you can possibly do. and truly as
il is possible for any human creature to re-
greet any unfortunate event To my father |
owe certain kind of obedience, and must /
render it 20 him though the overtasked heart
break in the effort
This is your 6nal decision 2