Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-07-03

house again, and on the wide fields and
meadows, and gloomy Sheds and ricks, and
stables. Silence on the placid river and dark
woods, on the ghostly, tall poplars in the
avenue, and on the heavy, dew-dropping trees
Of the orchard.
In the warm and cozy chamber, with its
spacious book shelves and easy leather-coy-
cred furniture, bancroft again sat, carelessly
thumbing his unread book, and consuming
many cigars. On the thick rug lay Jack
stretched at full length in uneasy sleep, mo-
wing his immense paws, and mumblng to
himself in the fears and efforts of canine
nightmare.
Suddenly, just IS the hall clock struck mid
night, Jack started up with reyerberating
bark, and rushed to the door, precisely as he
had done the preceding night, but with more
fierceness.
Ladcrolt started almost from his chair, but |
remembered himself, and sat down again
Silence, Jack Be quiet, sir 7
slight menance accompanying the com
mand, convinced the dog that he had best |
obey.
lie lay down reluctantly, whimpering and
again the measured beat of footballs came to
/ the young mans ear from the stairs.
!, Il,o'S- = NO Imagination about that !
thought he those are real ~tens and from
booted feet, too
As before, the roise approached, slowly
and steadily.
Lancrot stationed himself at the door, and
when the steps came just opposite toit, threw
it wide open.
As before, there was nothing there!
This completely staggered his philosophy.
He began, for the first time in his life, to
dream Of the possibility Of supernatural phe
nomena.
\ eupPosc that every Of us has, at some
time or another, had evidence of such things
The simple fact thai all nations, in all times
have had traditions of the re-appearance of
their dead, is certainly an argument in favor
Of the theories Of ghost seers. Hardly a man
or woman can be found, who has not some
little unexplained episode in his or her life
that defies, by its plain facts the best common
sense and the wisest philosophy.
On the next night, it would have been
strange if I.ancroft had not watched for the
mysterious footballs. From dusk to a late
hour in the evening" he listened, half doubt
ing and half expectant. But the excitement
OF the night before had kept him from sleep
ing well, and al irresistible drowsiness stole
over HIM, increased by the soothing infu-
ences OF hearty dinner and warm room.
lie vent to sleep then in his arm chair.
and had sound sllmber for an hour, when
he was awakened by Jack, who gave several
sharp, yelping barks, as if terrified beyond
measure, and fed at single bound from the
room. s---ssr1
, Lancrolt, thoroughly aroused, turneda about,
and instantly perceived that the dog had
passed through the open door. He knew he
| had left it shut, but before he could think
, twice about it, he saw tau fgure-the fig
! ure of man-standing upright, in thought
full attitude, close to the door. The young
j man sprang up With a sensation of cold in
/. his face. He felt that be was very pale.
~ The apparition was that Of man of more
/ than middle age robed in long black cloak
: His head was covered by tri-cornered hat
such as was worn during the young days O
/ this republic-and his face, though ghastly
q white, was very handsome Of feature.
S For many minutes, Lancroft sat SILENT ga
zing upon his strange visitor. wild con
fusion Of ideas seethed and fermented in his
a mind. mingled with the inevitable sentimen
oi.h6ffor that takes possession of a man who
.fh inezirst time in his life, is convinced tha
L he iANn the presence of supernatural be-
"a ing.
/ Gradually, by powerful effort Of will, tn
# yopng man gained control of himself am
g addrcssed the figure before hun.
: Who are You? What do you wish?'
,e The stranger pointed out Of the door will
s. long, white and ghostly finger
r, What do you mean ? Speak 10 me, if yo
= can 7 No answer.
s. s. Can you not speak ?
The apparaton was immovable.
i why do you point with your finger? d
d. you wish me to 60 out of the room?
IN The spectre took a quick stride toward til
* door.
N T,ancrof. arose, drew on an overcoat, too
lot C,ll l., 4
ne guide As he walked to the door, the fgur
Ill preceded him a few steps The terrors Of
l. nameleSS nervousness overcame him ono
more, and when upon the threshold he re
turned
= The phantom was again in the corner b
of the door.
ry The young man, now thoroughly CONVINCE
ne that he was entertaining vister from anotht
in world, decided to follow where he might
er led With an absurd minging Of commo
prudence and philosophical determination, /
nd loaded revolver carefully, and placed it
s. his bosom, before venturing on his stran!
3D. expedition He then. turned, with force
on calmness-almost gayety-quoted:
e. Go on-fll follow thcep
lis As they descended the stairs to the fro
lal door, the black cloak and cooked hat we
elf lost from sight in the shadow. On openir
to the door, however Lancroft saw his compa
ion awaiting him at the foot Of the steps
is Following the lead of the g6ost, the your
Ich man reached the rear of his house, where
1r- narrow stone stairway led to- grated doc
the opening upon portion of the cellar.
Down they went together, and through t
door that mysteriously opened at their a
nd proach The cellar was a wide and room
mi one, with a row Of sturdy columned arch
no through the middle of it. Its ceiling W
uld hung with a wilderness of cobwebs, and
walls were planked by a goodly array Of Ike
Il and barrels. Old Mr.. Lancroft had, in Ii
ack been bon Cicaat, and had left his son f
legacy Of ancient wines and liquors in Il
but cellar.
fhe TO Lancrofts greatest surprise his gho
to ly guide cody sat down upon brown
uld barrel, anG gesticulated for him to Go
lral same. 1t was cold and dark the place q
ing the circumstances were alike uncanny. l.
Croft shuttered, and hesitated,
ing You are cold, said the apparition, spe
Dot ing for the first time
on Il am
n Of A capacious fireplace was q part of
Jla- arrangement of this, as in many other
cellars. The phantom knelt upon the W
ma hearth, blew vigorously into the recesses
the chimney, and created roaring fire t
ina cracked, and snapped, and sent glow
warmth and light through the whole ap;
lght ment at once.
dis Sit down; | have something to say
re- you,' said the ghost resuming his seat VI
und the bu'ly puncheon, iron-hooped and plas