The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-07-07

2 y
much harm by IT, ColonelLno, by. the
way, they make off without paying q
cent Of money!
Crest: indeed. was the satisfaction
evinced by the victinSof unpaid bills on
the Colonel's declaring that the haunted
chamber was the very room for him.
eff to be turned out of my bed at mid
night is all I have to fear, we will see
who comes off master in my case. So,
Mr.. Landlord, let the chamber be got
ready directly, and, have good fire
The exultant, host hurried away to con-
fde the great news to 10, and, with him,
to make the necessary preparations.
"Come what will, 10, Colonel Demarion
amt the man to make off without pay
ing down good money for his accommo-
dations."
In reasonable time, Colonel Demarion
was beckoned out of the public room,
and conducted up stairs by the landlord,
who, after receiving q cheerful good
night, paused on the landing to hear
his guest bolt and bar the door within,
and then push piece of furniture
against it. ''Ah," murmured the host,
as sort of misgiving came over him,
'if apparishun has II mind to come in
thar, faint all the bolts and bars in
South Carolina as II kip'en away"
But the Colonel's precaution of socur-
ing his door, as also that of placing his
revolvers in readiness, had not the
slightest reference to the reputed ghost.
Spiritual disturbances Of such kind he
feared not. Spirits tangible were already
producing ominous demonstrations in
the rooms below, nor was it possible to
conjecture what troubles these might
envolve. Glad enough to escape from
the noisy company, he took survey of
his evil-reputed chamber. The only
light was that of the roaring, cracking,
blazing wood-fire, and no other was
needed. And what storm-benighted
traveller, when fierce winds and rains are
lashing around his lodging, can with
stand the cheering influences of a glori-
Gus log-fire? especially if, rs in tha t
wooden tenement, that fire be of abun-
dant pine knots. 1t rivals the glare Of
gas and the glow of a furnace; it charms
away the mustiness and fustiness of
years, and causes all that is dull and
dead around to laugh and dance in its
bright light.
BY the illumination of just such fire,
Colonel Demarion observed that the
apartment offered nothing worthier of
remark than that the furniture was supe-
rior to anything that might be expected
in small waysido tavern. In truth, the
landlord had expended considerable
sum in fitting up this, his finest cham
ber. and had, therefore, sufficient reason
to bemoan its unproftableness.
Having satisfied himself as to his
apparent security, the senator thought
no moro of spirits, palpable or impalpa-
BILE; but to the far graver issues of the
convention his thoughts reverted. 1t
was yet early; he lighted cigar. and in
full appreciation of his retirement, took
out his note book and plunged into the
affairs of state. Now and then he was
recalled to the circumstances of his stu
alton by the staggering tread of un-
steady feet about the house, or when the
boisterous shouts below ragged above the
outside storm; but even then he only
glanced up from his papers to congratu-
late himself upon his agreeable seclu-
sion.
Thus he sat for above an hour, then
he heaped fresh logs upon the hearth,
looked again to his revolvers, and re-
tired to rest.
The house clock was striking IL as the
OOiOdOA o"ohS. L1C aWOhC
from sound sleep, flashing, as it were,
into full consciousness, his mind and
memory clear, all his faculties invigo-
rated his ideas undisturbed, but with n
perfect conviction that lac was not alone.
He lifted his head. 4 man was stand
ing a few feet from the bed, and between
it and the fire. which was still burning,
and burning brightly enough to display
every object in the room, and to define
the outline Of the intruder clearly. His
dress, also his features, were plainly dis
tinguishable; the dress was travelling
costume, in fashion somewhat out Of
date; the features wore mournful and
distressed eXpression-the eyes were
fixed upon the Colonel. The right arm
hung down, and the hand, partially
concealed-might, for aught the Colonel
knew, be grnsping one of his own re-
volvers; the left arm was folded against
the waist. The man seemed about to
advance still closer to the bed and re-
turned the occupants gaze with fixed
stare.
"Stand, or I'll firc!" cried the Colonel,
taking in all this at glance, and start
ing up in his bed, revolver In hand