The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1872-09-12
A NIGHT EDITORS STORY

My story is ghost story and one OF
the genuine article, L conclude, from
putting together my pre- conceived ideas
Of ghosts, and the peculiar experience
have to relate On this occasion. 1t is an
experience SO strange, so terrible, and so
fraught with poignant grief, that for a
long time after its occurrence L shrank
from all mention Of it; but time, the
great alleviator, enables me now to sit
down and give calm account of the
event to which l refer.
[ was night editor of the Hawbuck
IH0g7aing Sentinel My associate in the
local department was Ward Sutfin, a
young fellow Of keen perceptions, ready
wit and active ability. He had clear
eyes. a Commemorative brow, rather pale
complexion, long, aaring jet black
moustache, and an open, wide awake
look that was a faithful index to his
character. Nothing escaped his obser-
vation He was indefatiguably indus
trious, and picked up all the news, delv-
ing out items, from the most apparently
barren ground. He was the best local
we had ever had. and our department Of
city news, soon after his advent, out
stripped those of all our contemporaries in
variety and spice.
Ward had one fault, however. The
ROocNSoO0
for him, and it was too often evident
that he had been embibing more freely
than sound judgement would dictate.
To be sure he was seldom untitled for
business-not more than once In three or
four months, perhaps he was pur-
suing path which, if persisted in, must,
| endeavored to persuade him, result in
his downfall. | talked to him often
about it, but although he listened pleas
antly my words seemed to be uselessly
spent. He was always tie same free
and easy, light hearted, convivial fellow,
and Woodworking, valuable assistant.
He would frequently choose topic of
popular interest and write thereon a Sc
ries Of descriptive articles in a free, COS
sippy vein, ust calculated to catch the
public attention. This was in addition
to his regular work as city editor. The
amount of labor he accomplished, and
the ease with which he performed it,
frequently filled me with astonishment.
Well do [ remember when be chose
for his theme ''Dreggs and Scum. =" He
penetrated the vilest haunts of the low
est classes, and described their habits in
the most wonderfully vivid manner
Their vices, their misfortunes, the
bright spots In their lives, together with
scraps Of adventure and incident, tex
citing, amusing, and pathetic, were all
treated with rare spirit and grace by his
ready pen.
OF course in his pursuit he visited the
resort of thieves, villains and despera-
does, and plunged into scenes, against
his safe exit from which, there were
many chances.
I'VE viii see what can be fshed up
from slime" he would say, with a mock
ing laugh, and start off on one of his
midnight excursions. And again he
would announce that he had an appoint
ment to meet some distinguished friends,
the true purport OF which remark we all
well understood.
Ward ard |, went at work, occupied a
room by ourselves, while the managing
editor, and Bailey, his assistant. had an
other department. just across the hall.
One night, about half past eleven,
Ward said to me:
We'll, Peck, III go down and see
what | can see. I've sent in a couple of
columns, and Dobbin will be on the look
out to report if any thing turns up. I'll
be back by half past one or two"
Dobbln was a middle-aged, seedy iudi-
vidual Of some ability, but no particular
occupation, who loafed around the of
sist, for small remuneration, In any de-
partment that happened to be crowded.
lie frequently lent his aid to Ward in
reporting police cases, accidents, rows,
and the like
Hold on. Ward l said looking him
n the face !; "hadn,t you better wait un-
I'll tomorrow night?"
WI by? o! | know you think m
not exactly well balanced. But I'm all
right. I'm just in the mood for it to
night.'
Yes you always are, for that matter.
Where do you propose to go tonight ?''
Down to Muggins' Fork
The very worst place in the city Tue
concentration Of vile and desperate law
lessness.
You're not in earnest, Ward? you're
not going there to night, are your"
There's just where I'm going. You
know their great mogul Barney Buck.
IS awaiting trial for that highway robbery
scrape. and l want to hear their COM
ments. JoYe ! won't it be rich
treat ~
talk about it.
Yes. Muggins' Forks is to hold an in
dignation meeting. Ha Hap
Well, Ward, | wouldn't go that S
al"
We'll, Peck, | don't want you to go,
but I'm going"
" GU may take this, if you want it +"
and unlocked a drawer and drew out a
siX-shooter.
"Nol" he exclaimed, laughing in
scorn:
''You had better take it."
But he persisted III declining.
Very well have your own way. But
be cool, and keep 2 sharp lookout And
promise me one thing, that you will not
dri2k any more to-night,-at least until
you get back.
lie had been slowly moving toward the
door, and now rushed out suddenly, ex-
claiming, with a laugh:
"All right. | guess not y
After he was gone | moved uneasily
In my chair some moments, and at last,
with an effort, bent myself to the work
before me. Presently, Bailey came in
on an errand.
Where Sutin ?'' he said.
Don't ask r Ireplied
ooh he exclaimed, with scowl, ''be
gone long?'
It'll half past one, he SAID"
swell | hope he'll get back" And
with the last word the door shut, as Bal
ley retired.
| echoed an amen to the wish. We
I'll liked Ward and felt an interest in
him. He was so young, so bright and
capable of so much.
Ny head was not clear that night. [
could notthink strait, nor bring my ems
ergies to bear on the tasks before me-
So | took my meershaum down from
the shelf, scraped it carefully, went to
private drawer. and filled that pipe with
genuine Turkish tobacco that | kept on