Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-09-19

window as before. and presently, bars and
bolts giving way, the window flew open, and
the spectral figure, with the lamp in its hand,
stepped out into the open air. 1t followed
the same course it had taken previously, and
in the same manner with only this difference,
that it paused for moment in its progress
over the beds of FIVE or six of the men, and
breathed sort of internal hiss into each Of
their faces. Again it came close to US, and
then vanished. We were petrifed all our
precautions had svaied US nothing, and that
this time the dread apparition had emitted
sounds sufficiently audible to be heard by US,
who were some distance.
" What was to be done next ?"
Whatever this is" said Harrison, while his
lips curled slightly with contempt, am de-
termined to drive it from this place. We
must not allow ourselves to be frightened
Since | was q child have been taught to
reject ghosts. Tomorrow night, if this thing
appears we must give chase. You will help
me 2 he added, turning to me.
OF course | promised to stand by him,
/ though more than doubtful of our doing any
good. 1t was agreed that on the following
night we, the officers, should divide into two
parties, one standing at the right wing, and
the other at the left aud that we should
both rush on to this mysterious appearance at
the same time, aud by closing in upon it rem
der escape impossible. la this plan the men
joined most heartily.
We were not towards yet, confess it,
the sight of this strangely mysterious apparition
with It's unearthiy light had made my blood
run cold while the looks of my companions
had proved that they liked it as little as l
did.
Again night Arrived, and agaia we took
post in the courtyard, waiting for the uccus-
toned hour. Oar hearts beat faster when we
saw the now well known green light appear
ing at the the chapel window. Slowly the
white figure passed over the mems beds hold
ing Up its pale lamp aud l re marked, with
something like a shudder, that it uttered the
same diaboIcal hiss TO the same six men as CI:
the previous night At signal we rushed
forward from both sides aud closed in
The spectre seemed to understand our at
tempt, gave one of its fearful Kisses into
. Harrson'S very face, and then We saw it
walking (soit seemed) above our heads and
it vanished over the monastery.
" Without word from any one-fOr we
were all TO much hoTrfed to speak-we re-en-
tered the house, and saught our rooms. Har-
rIson and | occupied a room together, aud,
as We went into it, | remarked that his face
and his lips were ashy pale.
" For Heavens sake he said, in a voice so
hollow that it made me start, never speak of
this thing again, and let me leave this place
as soon as possible
" We went TO bed, but did not sleep The
apparoions was constantly before my eyes,
while bis hiss still seemed ringing 10 my ears
| | hv of
companion, that be, too, shared my yigils-
At length, after some weary hours, I fell
asleep, and when | awoke late in the morn
ing, l was pleased and relieved to see Harr-
son sleeping Soundy.
We all met at breakfast but as if By
one consent, seemed to avoid the subject of the
apparition. had serious thoughts of leaving
the village, and seeking for bets elsewhere,
only it was difficult, now that all our arrange
ments were made, to leave the place not TO
speak of the embarrassment of the explaining
such an unusual proceeding. We agreed to
remain where we were for few days longer,
in the hope that the order TO march for Lis
bon would soon arrive. | do not know that an
Immediate removal from the monastery would
! have effected any chang in the catastrophe
of the story, except, perhaps, in some of its
details but | greatly regretted at the time,
aud eau not but regret to this day that we
did not devise some pretext to escape from
that terrible place.
I'VE kept no more watch for the ghost, and
three nights passed by without any report being
made from the men of its temperance.
q" One sunny afternoon-it was either the
fourth or the fifth day after the last appear
anCe of the apDaritoE-Harrison, and Two
other officers, set out on horseback for a negh.
boring point OF interest. 1t was a glorious day
and We were all in capital spirits, which seem
ed to be shared by our horses, for they carri,
ed US lightly and swiftly along. Harrison had
q beautiful horSe-a noble ANIMAL light
chestnut, and as quiet and gentle horse as
/ ever man rode. 1t was the pride Of its master
ard the admiration of the regiment. We had
ridden about mile or more from the abbey,
and we've pausing to look at the view, which
was very dne, when We perceived an orderly
coming toward us. He wanted to speak to
I Harrison, and as our horses were impatient we
rode on slowly before leaving Harrison to
overtake ns when his business was done"
What on earth can be keeping Harrsoa|
said one OF my companions, after time we
shall lose our ride
Perhaps be had to turn back, L replied
We had better ride on mounted as ne is,
be will soon come up with Us"
1--WE rode on, expecting every moment TO
see him arrive, yet no souud'of his bOrses feet
reached Us and so time passed. aud he came
not At any other time would have thought
nothing oft. except that pressing business
must have obliged him to return to the mon
astery ; but the disagreeable occurrences of
the previous week had rendered me unable TO
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