Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1874-03-07
A NIGHT EDITORS STORY.

My story ls a ghost story, and one of
the genuine article conclude, from put
ting together my preconcelvtd Ideas of
ghoste, and the particular experience
have to relate on this occasion. IL was
an experience 30 strange, so terrible and
so fraught with poignant grief, that for
3 long time after the occurrence shrank
from all mention of it but time, the
great alleviator, enables me now to sit
down and give a calm account of the
events to which refer.
| was night editor of the Hawbuck
Morning Sentinel. My associate In the
the local department was was Ward sut-
DO. young fellow of keen perceptions,
ready wit and active ability. He had
clear eyes, concentratlye brow, a rather
pale complexion, a long, 6aring, Jet black
moustache aud an open wide awake look
that was perfect index to his character.
Nothing escaped his observation. He
was irdefatigaby industrious and picked
out all the news, delving out items from
the most apparently barren ground. He
was the best local we ever had and our
department, soon after his advent, out
stripped all contemporaries In the variety
and spice Of our news.
Ward had one fault, however. The
social bowl possessed powerful attraction
for him and II was too often evident that
he had imblbed more freely than sound
Judgment would dictate. To be sure he
was seldom untitled for business not
more than once iHs three or four months
but be was pursuing course which, If
persisted in, must, / tndtavOred to per-
tuade him, result IN his downfall. talked
10 him often about 1t, but, although he
listened pleasantly. lay wolds seemed to
be uselessly expended. He was the same
free and easy, light-hearted, convlvial
fellow and hard-gorking and valuable
assistant.
He would frequently choose topic OF
popular Interest and write thereon a series
OF descriptive article In free, gossipy
vein, Just calculated to catch the public
attention. This was in addition to his
regular work as city editor. The amount
Of work he accomplished and the ease
with which he performed II, frequently
hlled me with astonishment.
Well do | remember when he chose fol
his subject "Dregs and Scum" He pen
etrated the vilest haunls Of the lowest
classes and described their habits In q
wonderful vivid manner. Their vices
their misfortuues, the bright spots In theil
lives together with scraps OF adventures
and Notwithstanding, amusing ant
pathetic--were all treated with rare spiri
and grace. by his ready pen.
VI course In this pursuit be Visited thi
resorts of thieves, villains and despera
ooes, and plunged Into scenes against hi
safe exit from which there were mani
chances.
"We will see what can be ashed ul
from the shines" he would say, with
moeking laugh, and start of on one o
his midnight excursions. Or again h
would announce that he had an appoint
ment to meet some distinguished f.irnds
the true purport of which remark we al
well understood.
ward and l, when at work, occupie
room by ourselves, while the manae in
editor and Bailey, his assistant, had az
other apartment, just across the hall.
One night about half-past clever
Ward said to me
well, Peck, guess I'll 90 out an
see what I can sec. I've sent in a coupl
ot columns and Dobbin will be on th
lookout to report if anything turns VI
III be back by hali-past one or two"
Doobln was middle-aged, seedy ind
Vldual, of some ability, but no pai ticula
occupation, who loafed around the ofliC
most OF the time, in readiness to assis
ior small remuneration, In any depart
ment that happened to be crowded. II
frequently lent his aid to Ward in repor
ing police cases, lows and the like.
Hold on Ward" l said, looking hi
IN the faeei "hada't you better wait unit
to-morrow night 20
why Oh l know you think II
not exactly well balanced. But Pm a
IlKnt' I'm In Just the mood for II L
night, too"
Yes, you always are for that matte
WheIe do you propose to 20 tonight
,Down to Muggins' Forks"
The very worst place in the city tt
concentration Of vile and desperate la'
essness. YOU'RE not in earnest Ward
hou,fe % not going there tonight, a
That's Just where Pm going. YC
Anow that great mogul, Barney Buck,
awaiting trial for that highway robbei
serape and | want To hear their cen
Ments. Jovtl Won't It be a rich treat
about It,"
Yes, Nugglns' Forks is to bold an #
dlgnatlou meeting. Ha ha 20
ALL" "OU''H 50 ''
We'll Peck, l don't want you to 60, b
hm going"
You may take this If you want IL
aud l unlocked drawer and drew out
six shooter.
No" he exclaimed laughing in scor
You had better take IT,"
But he persisted in declining.
VERY well, have your own way. Br
20 cool and keep sharp lookout. Al
promise me one thing, Ward; that y,
VIII not drink anything more tonight
Al least I'LL you get back"
lie had been slowly moving toward {
aoor and now rushed ont suddenly, e
eleimlng with laugh
IAN right, guess not"
AFTER he was gone | moved uneasllY
chair fer some moments and at la
with an effort, bent myself to the wo
before me. Presently Bailey came in
an errand,
where's sutfn 2" he said.
Don't ask me,' replied.
"oh" he exclaimed with a scowl
BE gone long 90
iii half-past one." l said.
Well, hope he'll get back" A
With the last word the door swung sh
a. Bailey retired.
i echoad an anan 20 tfa rvfab UUa