Maryland free press., 1866-12-27
HAGERSTOWN, MD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER e. 1866.

was not obliged TO guess at the facts in the case
My own observa tion, though moved in an
humber sphere than theirs, was sufficient to as
sure me that all was not right 1 placed my ear
at the KEY hole.
"When we are married.
"Hush," said Mrs. Colebrook.
They spoke in whispers then, and could dis
tinguish nothing more. Need l have heard
more?
Womsn-angel or devil.
Was it she who had wept great tears in my
presence, who had trembled in the agony of grief
before me, now calmly plating with her para
mour, bargaining away the affections which
should have fingered like weeping angel over
the couch of him who was not yet buried out OF
! sighR Was it she who had lately groaned in
bitterness at her great bereavement, now schem-
ing to rob her sister and orphan of her boun-
ty?
'Oh, woman, false as far'' Yet she was not
woman-shc was in reality demon.
The clock struck twelve and turned from my
reflections to attend TO the corpse The alcohol
which had been provided to wet the face was all
used, and needed further supply Taking the
dish in my hand, then went to the door with
the intention OF calling upon Mrs. Colebrook for
| it. W.
First rapping on the door, so rs not to sur
prise them, opened it, and stepped into the
room.
81 need a little more alcohol, Mrs. Colebrook"
I began.
She rose from her chair, and wi h one long
and most unearthly shrek, she fell upon the
floor. ....
DR.. Rownc's knees sr.lote each other, and he
shrank backI 10 the flrthcrest corner of the
room.
"W ho are your, he gasped
Of course was very much surprised at this
singular reception. Long familiarity with the
dead had made me so very indifferent to those
breads and fears which naturally disturb many
persons, t'at had little consideration for ncry-
business on this subject.
"What are you?' groaped the doctor, his
teeth chatterins with terror.
When it flashed upon my mind that the quit
which enveloped my yody was the cause of nv
mischief. was inveluntarily personating the
ghost of the deceased Mr.. Colebrook, and it is
not to be wondered at that the guilty wife and tn
more wre,ched accomplce were so terrified, when
at that hour stalked into the room ..
had pinned the counterpane around my neck
so that nothing could be seen of me but mr.
face.
| was ghostly spectre coming
elbow awful in that hour whcn conscience
stings," to curse her for the base trcachery she
t,-as NJ l. H.
wonder even the doctor tremblcd. I threw of
the quilt, and told the doctor who was.
''See what you have donc?" sail he, at the
same time pointing to the PROSTATE lady.
81 heard some voices here, and came for
some alcohol"
"Need you have come in that garb?" he ask
ed.
ON
"You have killed her. believe" he continues
bending over the PROSTATE form of Mrs. Cole
brook.
We raised her up and placed her on lounge
She was not dead, and soon her eyes opened.
"Where is he?" gasped she, shaking conclu-
sively. ....:.
t'Be calmr'
''IIe will haunt me all my days"
at was only Mr.. Mortal.'
Her eyes glared upon me. and then rolled up
in her head. Heaven grant that may never see
such hidcous expression again. She was in n
fit.
The house was alarmed, and Doctor Rownc
used every exerton to restore hor, but all in
vain.
"Shc will diet" he said, savagely; "you have
killed her."
(Which will did you destroy, doctor?' |
asked.
lie staggered into the corner of the room, un-
able to reply. lie would never accuse me again,
and yet promised not to expose him: but it was
in Difference to the invalid siste. of the deceased
that allowed myself to be silent in presence of
nflmy. Before morning there was another corpse
in the house, and it was told for two months af-
ter, that Mrs. Colebrook had been killed by the
shock Of her husbands death. buried them
both two days after, and had the pleasure of
eing the Colcbrook f rtune pass into the hand
of the poor deserving invalid sister,
have never seen or heard from DR.. Rowne
from that day to this. 1t is said that he went to
the East Indies. If he did, the devil is with him
there and always will he.
ELECTION OF UNITED STATES SENATORS. The
bill which passed Congress at the last session.
prescribing the manner in which United States
Senators shall hereafter be elected, provides that
such election shall take place on the second Tues
day after the organization of the Legislatures of
the several States, by EZRA eocs vote ia each
hsuse. At meridian of the day following, both
houses shall meet in joint session. and if the same