The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1875-12-23
got himself invited to his uncle's for Q
fhrno vvr0nfhoS visit

got himself invited to his uncle's for
three months visit.
One evening "a moonlight evening,
exactly like that memorable Halloween
Fred and his uncle sat by the window,
looking down into the street with no
other light in the room than that which
came from without, and Uncle Guilfoil
was talking. sH
81 never knew how hard literary men
worked before, Fred," said Uncle Gull
foil. "What with writing and making.
extracts, and going to the library for
works on psychology and mesmerism,
I'm quite done up. Then I've entered
upon a new train of thoughts, and I'm
quite ashamed of my previous blind ig-
You know how fused to laugh
at black Deb, your mothers cook, who
said she saw her tole massa' washing
his hands at the stationary tubs one
night. I thought she'd been drinking.
Now am going to interview her. and
get particulars. Washing his hands was
symbolical, you know-washing away
the stains OF slave-dealing. All! you
know ny experience was symbolical.
I've explained it to you. She won't look
like that; / shan't know her when I see
her; but shall experience wrath, jeal
ousy, melancholy, and-Good Lord!n
.sWhat is it, Uncle!'' cried Fred,
whose eyes were turned street-ward. .
s Look" shrieked Uncle Guilfoil,
pointing into the room, "There she is
again!"
And as Fred turned, he saw before
him most hideous, diaboGcal creature
"a woman in red skirt, blue cloak, yel-
low bonnet, who shook hearth brush
at him; not solid, substantial woman,
but spectral and transparent shadow
OF one, not IN the room, but on the wall,
as Fred at glance discovered.
There she is, said Uncle Guilfoil !;
" and Providence has sent you to me to
bear witness of this second appearance
of the phantom.
$50 that is your future, - cried Fred,
quite unconcernedly; " See, there she
goes"
The figure had given sideways hing,
flashed over the ceiling, and vanished.
In its place stood q rustic. in green
smock- -frock, smokinga pipe, and with
q dog at his heels.
ssAnother!" cried Uncle Guilfoil.
Erred, / must be = material medium
you know what / meant can't think
Of the correct expression"
Uncle Guihoil, = said Fred, who had
rushed to the window, and was peerine
out, ssput on your hat, and come with
me.'
"Wherep'' asked Uncle Guilfoil.
"Oblige me, Uncle, " said Fred.
"Oh, any thing to oblige," said I'm
Gle Guilfoil, who was trembling very
much, and whose voice quaked
/" These experiences upset the nervous
system, Fred"
Fred said nothing; he also took hi
hat.
The two went out at the door to
gether.
uTo that confounded DOCTORS, to tel
him he's q foolpn aa111d Uncle Guilfoil
81 shall tell him that tomorrow
said Fred; ssnot so far tonight. !"
He had crossed the street and a.
cended the steps Of the house directl,
Iopposite and rang the bell
"Who lives herep" asked Uncle Gull
foil.
"IIl show You, = said Fred.
Then the door opened, and aservan
girl appeared.
Can you tell me If there b amagf
lantern IN this house?" asked Fred
ssTo the best Of my belief some one
playing pranks with it at this momen
ON the second floor"
The girl grinned. /.
sits Masther Tom, the villain" !" sal
she, ssand his father'l1 fog him for L
But Yesterday night didn't he set III
back Of the house into fits, wild an ol
woman in red frock wild brush sh
did be shakin' at him--and II was
bastin' he got. And maybe he did tha
!, same to yours.
.Yes, said Fred, che did; but Y
don't want the child punished unless b
!. docs it again. Good evening" Wher'
with he descended the steps.
A very meek old gentleman stood ,
their foot. A vanquished scientist, {
! awakened seer, . medium reft OF b
!, mediumship,
7" Fred, he said, meekly, II ney,
once remembered q magic lantern.
haven't seen one since I was . child.
& And that night the manuscript Of 4
! great book lay . smouldering hea
: within the CRATE, and no one who d
! sires the good graces Of Mr.. Hora'
Guilfoil has ever mentioned Hal0wel