The Lincoln County herald., 1873-03-05
tFor the Herald ]
A TRUE GHOST STORY.
By ELspETH ANNIs.

| By ELspErH ANNIs.
The facts herein narrated actually oc
Cured, number Of years ago, in one of
the Southern States. Ny informant then
lived near the scene Of .he strange events,
and vouches for the authenticity of the
following story:
John Moore, q very miserly old bach
elor, owned one Of the richest and most
valuable estates in the county Of Duncan /;
his wealth was enormous he was master
of many slaves, besides his broad lands,
and had money out at interest.
John Moore lived a very secluded life,
but seldom leaving his plantation, except
when business interests demanded his
doing so, and he had not been known to
invite any one to enter his doors for
years. Somo twenty years before the
opening Of my story, John Moore had
taken a nephew of his to raise. This
lad was also named John Moore. lie
was the namesake of his uncle, and it was
whispered that he would inherit the
property, at the death of the elder
Moore, as there were no other near
relations.
Be this as it may, whatever were the
intentions of the uncle in taking his
nephew under bis roof, one thing was
quite evident, that the lad was no incum
brance, but an actual benefit. lie had
been on the plantation but short time
before he exhibited uncommon sagacity
in every thing pertaining to plantation
affairs. The uncle was not long in dis
covering the dne business qualities ol
the boy, and used them to the best ad
vantage. The lad was, very naturally y
much elated by he confidence reposed il
him by his uncle, and tried in every way
to extend his usefulness.
MIR. Moore began to assign first on
duty and then another to John, until hi
time was fully occupied, from early II
the morning until late at night. Thu
state of affairs lasted for several years
John performed his appointed tasks will
great fidelity, and Mr.. Moore becam
more and more exac,ing in hs demand
!, on Johns time. One day John went
Macombc, the town where Mr.. Moor
sold many of the products Of his planta
: ton, and purchased large portion Of hi
supplies. Here he attracted the atter
I ton of the merchant with whom he wa
transacting business, who began cen
!, versation with him, asking many ques
tons. The merchant soon learned tht
h although John had good hard sense, an
!. was every way sprightly, he had bee
y deprived of oil advantages in the way
:, an education in books. He told him th'
n he ought to come to town and atten
: school for two or three years, that b
might become acquainted with the dife
J. eut branches Of knowledge. John 6u
ished bis business and started for hom
The road 90 familiar seemed much long,
,e than usual, and be could scarcely wait
% enter the house before he asked b
Sc uncle to send him to school. He r.
ceived no answer to his request, but vi
questioned closely about the business
was sent to attend to. Johns head vi
> so full of the idea of going to school tn
he more than once interrupted his unc
o, 10 the midst of q sentence, to talk abo
his new theme. Mr.. Moore made
comment about Johns request. i
hoped that after q nights rest the b
}. would forget 1t. He accordingly start'
him on bis round of duties an hour earli
the next morning, imagining that ext
work would keep the boy from thinkil
about himself.
. Mr.. Moore's plan was a very mistake
one. John we'll understood his uncl
He faithfully discharged his duties un
noon, when he concluded to again intr'
Is duce the subject. Mr.. Moore very imp
oh tieutly forbade him to mention scho
for again, under pain Of his immediate 81
he lasting displeasure. John was fully d
ms termiued not to reliuquish his new
~ awakened desire to increase his know
he edge, and persisted in begging for pc
a. "a. mission to 60 at once. The uncle b
mo mo came SO enrsged at this obstinscy, as
nd called it, that when be found words b
no effect 10 subduiug bis nephew,