River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1873-09-19
IHE GHOST OF HARLEY.


Every one knows that the Bermuda or
SOmers Islands are a cluster Of about 800
small islands, fifteen or sixteen only of
which are Of inhabitable size, situated IN
the western part of the Atlantic Ocean.
about COO miles from Cape Hatteras, in
North Carolina. Their names are derived
from Bermudez, Spaniard, who sighted
them in the year OF 1927; but they were
first settled under Admiral Sir George
Somers, who was shipwrecked here in
1909, on his way to Virginia. Tho largest
Of these islands is Bermuda proper, con-
tanning an area Of about twenty SQUARE
miles, on which is Hamilton. the chief
town and seat of Government. At the
time in question, his Britannia Maiesty's
One Hundred aud Eighth Regiment of
foot was CHARTERED At Hamilton and 4
more pleasant military station could
hardly be found anywhere abroad. These
coral creations are of wondrous beauty and
tertility-the most delicious fruits and
ifowers being found in abundance, as well
as esculent roots of many kinds, ID saw
nothing OF the lar-famed arrow root which
IS here OF excellent quality. The sea sup
Plies fish in great numbers and of fine
flavor, while turtle enough are taken daily
TO tempt an eplcurean alderman 10 Law
down his robe aud chain, flee the CITY, and
revel in paradise Of ealipash and calipee.
Society, too, though necessarily not large
Is composed OF highly agreeable material.
aud the beauty Of the Bermudan ladies il
proveraial.
Among the juni officers Of the One
Hundred and Eighth was Lieutenant
Tomlyn, a richly gifted man in other re-
spects. Although prompt and active In
those military duties which are the pride of
every member of ths service to perform
with alacrity and precision, he was slow
to join his brother officers in the amuse-
ments and gayeties Of the Quarter and
without being actually morose, he was al
least dull and reserved amid the flowing
hilarity which surrounded him. More
over, when inclined to conversation M all
ne seemed to have but one topic, and thai
was his unbelief in the existence az N,
Deity To persons educated from child
hood. as bis companions had been. 10 ac
cept the Christian faith in all sinrleness
It may readily be imagined that Tomlv,
soon became decided bore; all wer
alike disguised at heart with the monol
onousness, and distastefulness Of n
theme and while the older member
would sometimes kindly hint change
the subject, the juniors would not hesitat
TO express themselves in candid condemn,
uon or IN pointed sarcasm.
IL So happened that the yellow feyt
made It's appearance about this time. an
though ms most excellent sanitar
arranselient were made by the militia,
authorities. the soldiers did not entirel
escape the scourge. The virulence Of n
tell disease was, however, Of comparative
short duration and on its subsistence
party of convalescent men were orIer,
to Halifax for change of air, that their fl
recovery might be the more thorough
assured. Of this party Lieutenant Harl,
was put IN command. Now, of all n
reglmental companions, none were mo
wearied OF fOmlyn's everlasting dronir
OF his stupid platitudes than Harley bir
sell and so, on taking leave preparato,
10 Ms sailing in the brigantine which w,
70 transport him and his men TO tho mai
land, he said, Good by, Toplyn n an,
thing should happen to me, DO assured =,
spirit Will return 10 you. and Lot van h no
whether you are right or wropcb A.
0reuuIous smile was almost the sole repl
Inc embarkation was effected. aod II
vessel, spreading her white sails ~ n
breeze, soon disappeared from the islan
Inc day was followed by A moonGc
night ct surprising beauty, and the Il
sroying Angel having now STAYED /
hand, the night-air was freely breath,
aSd enjoyed, after leaving the mess roo,
I'LL tue hour Of retiring. Young Hale,
parting words lad beon referred 10 in To,
iyD.s immediate hearing during the eve
ing's festivities indeed. one of tho Inn;
captains had directly said Bv ,be wa
Iomlyn, what rouid you think Tia dsasi
Mere 70 occur TO the brigantino a
Harleys spirit should come back
Nothing less than that said Toni,
with cold smile, would eonyin
me-" And so the party separated for I
night ~
Tomlyn repaired 10 his barrack.
and after having locked his door, as W
ms custom. got into bod. While he /,
counting the balmy which, odd
enough, grew uncertain, ooyD and r
fused TO be wooed, for he was unusual
Saketul and restless-the door. ~ h
utter amusement and CONSERVATION. slowl
opeoec, and 10 and behold, entered IIarle
his face of deathly pallor, his hair han,
ing IN dark locks on his shoulders. M
clothes dripping water. Tomlyn recoile