Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1866-05-25
VOL. XII -: NO 10:

one Of the hall chairs, and that my husband
was acting as bootjack in ordinary. =
There was long pause after this, during
which had gradually descended still near
or to the unconscious ghost Watchers.
Presently George whispered; Colonel dye
see that light over the kitchen stairs He's
come!
At these terrifying words, l flcd IN stairs
three steps at time, with horrible dread
that some skeleton form was clutchiur at
my skirts, did not feel safe till had nut
Il double locked door between myself and
the supernatural world outside.
M0:e than quarter of an hour had slsps
ed when series Of rapid FOOTBALLS were
heard in the passage: and somethine he.
gan to twist the handle ofmy door; my
heart died within me, and had only
strength to murmur: Who's there when
my husbands voice said: Why. Bella, sss
You asleep Open quick.
l believe ! said: Why didn't you knock
ducky !! and almost tainted on his shoulder.
We've managed matters capitally down
below, said George, and now I've reused
up uncle and aunt. and Julia. snd Jsakes,
and Mrs. Bunce; in fact the whole house,
hold. Put shawl round your shoulders,
and come down to the breakfast parler o.
soon as YOU see Sir Peter and my aunt
march forth. I've told everybody thss they
needn't hurry-that it isn't fire, and that
they can make themselves look - eleesnt
as they please.
Al length we were assembled. George.
said Sir Peter, rather snrlily, - he sup
pressed yawn. hope this il not intended
for practical joke!
o no, sir--notl,ing of tire sort, replied
my husband. ] have invited you all down
stairs III order to show you the celebrated
Black Man.
/ glanced around the room at these words
and observed with some surprise that while
the countenances of all the others express
cd merely curiosity or astonishmsnt, there
was look OF guilty apprehension in the
face Of Mr.. Jeakes, the butler, and of sub
ordinate. John Thomas. the footman.
Before proceeding further, continued
my husband, you must allow me to call an
Important witness into urt-Colonel Cul-
pepper.
At these two words, pronounced In 4
loud tone. the door was opened, and Col
mel CnlpePpeer entered. bowing gravely
and tremendously to Sir Peter an Lady
PcckOycr.
Sir Peter. said the colonel, you must
pardon my intrusion into your house at
this unreasonable hour; hut I wish to
clear INV character from q stigma that has
been cast upon it. have been accused
by your butler yondcr Of having died in
state of insanity, after numbering my
Bensalec man servant, Camchundsr. Tho
story of my death is manifestly untrue
II YOU, Sir Peter. will have the kindness
to unlock the pantry door, You will be
able to decide OH the remainder of the
allegations.
At these words. we all crowded into the
passage, where George had turned the gas
on brilliantly. Sir Peter unlocked tho
door, AMI disclosed to view the trembling
figure OF the crossing sweeper Of Gormandy
Square!
Now, ladies and gentlemen. said Colonel
Cnlpcppcr. that is Ramchunder. whom l
was forced to dismiss from INV service. for
making too free with nv spirit-chest, -
well as for other irregularities. Speak
English. Ramchunder, and say If that be-
not true.
Iss, sahib, answered Ramchunder, join
ing his hands together. after the imploring
fashion Of Asiatics.
And now, uncle. inter posed my husband.
| will tell YOU what We found this worthy
'lored gentleman doing: we found him
doing the foOtman's wOrk-cleaniDg the
plate and brushing your clothes.
IL it true demanded Sir Peter magis-
terially.
Iss. sahib. said Ramchunder. Mas'r
Jeakcs, he say he very much tire; Mas'y
Thomas. he say he very much tire too
He say; You nigger. give you two shlil-
ing week do my work. What could
poor Hamchunder do? lie very had IF
now, since leave good Colonel Sahih !;
swceper's trade bad now, plenty March
wind. Gentlefolks say: No dirt now-no
copper sweeper gives.
Well, Jeakcs, what have YOU to nv to
this Z! asked the master Of the house.
don't deny it, Sir Peter, said Mr. Jeakes
with dignifird suavity Of manner; but I
cannot 'elp asserting, Sir Peter, that you
brought it on yourself by the nNN- prsvid-
ing Of a boy in buttons. Me and John
Thomas will not dcmean ourselves BY
vulgar work, such as plate cleaning knives
and clothes; and We thoushtwe was doing
IA hact Of charity by employing this pOor
benighted heather for such hinferiur 0c-
cnpations.
1t is not necessary for me to state who
was dismissed and who was not; it il
enough to say that tine house was nevel
afterwards haunted by the Black Man.
Chambers Journal.