The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1864-05-19

[ = NNN avn HO"oNSit PkO
coeded more than two miles further, be
fore the sky. which during the las
quHrler ofan hour had been lit up by tn,
full moon now became suddenly over
cast, and tho wind began 10 Sigh mourn
fully through the trees; in a word there
was every Indication of an approaching
storm. What was 1 10 dOi | saw nc
house where could seek shelter. and
even were disposed TO brave the storm
and continue my journey, there were
great danger lest. in the darkness, my
imperfect knowledge Of the road should
lead me sstray. While l was debating
the awkward question 10 my mind. q
sudden turn in the road showed me q
light 10 the distance, which, upon neaI
rSProNch, found proceeded from /,
large house. Fastening up to it. | re.
jOicod 10 read on large sign,boarJ
swinging over the words Wilmington
Inn Immediately made way into the
commrrcisl'rOom, where seated around
a blazing log,frc, we're Eoursturdy coun.
trymeu, whose appearance claimed them
10 be farmers.
NosOoner did theynotice my approach
ihon they made way for me at the FIRE,
and welcomed me into the bosom Of the
family; one Offering me a pipe, and
another, who just before the entrance
had begun the recital of a horrible mur,
der, Offering 10 recommonce it for my
entertainment. III still cherished any
lurking desire to proceed on my journey
that night, it was speedily dispelsd by
the comfort within and the diasomfort
without the storm now raging furious.
ly.
Shortly after had taken supper, the
landlHdy, burom dame. tul, fair, and
forty, made her appearance, and imme.
distely inquired whether could be &c.
comodOted with room for the night
Well replied she, Il am sorry to say
that ever room in the house IS engaged.
You see the fair takes place to morrow,
so that the house is quite full. I am
afraid you'll have to put up with the
sofa ihere--unleSS, blythe by she ad-
ded after a pouse-'but no, you would
not like. that ~ b .....-ss
Like whut?' said l, thinking she was
going to suggest that | share a room
with some one.
why, I was going to say that there's
very good room containing two beds,
but -"
We'll then, ! exclaimed, 'le, me have
one, and care not who occupies the
other
'Bui,s said she in depreciA,ory tone,
'one of them contains corpse
My only reply to this pleasant an.
nouncement consisted Of long, low
whistle, not usually found in dictiona.
ries. but commonly received as an ox.
preston Of finteuso surprise
Yes continued the landlady. Il, is
the body of u gentleman who died here
last night, and, as he was friend of ours,
we should consider it q mark of disre.
spect to remove the body before the day
of the funeral. If you think, however,
you would like to occupy the room, l
will go and prepare it. But perhaps
you would prefer the Sofs:'
Ives not long in making my choice;
and | was just about 10 decline the offer
Of the company f1ed on me as though
endeavoriug TO take the measurement
Of my mctte This settled me. My
pride rose, and, determined not TO give
an evidence of weakness, replied in q
careless tone:
'ohl let me have the room by oil
means; shall sleep there as well as at
home. A dead man can do me ne harm
Bravo cried the formers.
Give me the hond mon,' said one Of
them; 10 war sure thou vert no cur
Thou'S got pluck in thee. Why, OF
VuF goin' to offer thee part o. moi bed,
but OF 'howt ,hou'd feel insultsd lOikc.'
Much obliged, said |, 4 shall be all
right
WELL exclaimed tho landlady, IN
i ~