Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1876-06-22
MY UNCLE'S GHOST STORY,

My Uncle Beagley, who commenced
MS commercial career very early in the
present century as a bagman, mill tell
stories. Among them, he tells his single
ghost story so often, that | am heartily
tired Of it. In self-defense, therefore,
publish it, in order that when the good
Kind old gentleman next offers to bore us
with it, everybody may say they know it.
| remember every word of it:
One fine autumn evening, about forty
years ago, | was travelling on horseback
from Shrewsbury to Chester. [ felt toler-
ably tired, and was beginning to look out
for some snug wayside inn, where might
pass the night, when sudden and violent
thunderstorm came on. My horse, ter
rified by the lightning, fairly took the
bride between his teeth and started off
with me at full gallop through the lanes
and crossroads, until at length | man
aged to pull him up just at the door of a
neat-looking country inn. Vel, -
thought I, g there was wit in your
madness, old boy, since it brought us to
this comfortable refuge" And alighting,
gave him in charge to the stout farmers
boy, who acted as Ostler.
The inn kitchen, which was also the
guest room, was large, clean, neat and
comfortable, very like the pleasant hostel
ry described by IZaak Walton. There
were several travellers already in one
room-probably like myself, driven there
for shelter-and they were all waiting for
supper. | Joined the party Presently,
being summoned by the hostess, we all
sat down, twelve in number, to a smoking
repast of bacon and eggs, corned beef and
carrots, and stewed hare.
The conversation naturally turned on
the mishaps Occasioned by the storm, of
which every one seemed to have his full
share. One had Jeen thrown off his
horse; another, riding in a gig, had been
upset into a muddy dixie; all had got a
thorough wetting, and agreed unani-
mrusly that it was dreadful weather-a
regular witches Sabbath
Witches and ghosts prefer for their
Sabbath a fine moonli CHIT to such weather
as thisn'
These words were uttered in solemn
tone, and with strange emphasis, by one
Of the company. He was a tall, dark
looking man, and | had set him down in
my own mind as a travelling merchant or
peddler. My next neighbor was a gay,
well looking, fashionably dressed young
man, who, bursting into peal of laughter,
said:
You must know the manners and Gus
toms of ghosts very well to be able to tell
that they dislike getting wet or muddy"
The first speaker, giving him dark,
fierce look, said: Young man, speak not
SO lightly of things above your compre-
hension.'
Z" Do You mean to imply that there are
such things as ghosts?' asked the young
man.
. Perhaps there are" replied the other,
Z" if you had the courage to look at them. -
The young man stood up flushed with
anger. But, presently resuming his seat,
he said calmly:
That taunt should cost you dear if it
were not such foolish one'
s A foolish Onel" exclaimed the mer-
chant, throwing on the table a heavy
)eatheTn purse. There are fifty guineas.
| am content to lose them, if, before the
hour is ended, | do not succeed in show
ing you, who are so obstinately preju-
diced, the form of any of your deceased
friends; and if after you have recognized
him, you will allow him to kiss your
lips"
We all looked at each other, but my
young neighbor, still in the same mock
ing manner, replied: "You will do that,
will you?''
Yes" said the other, g will stake
these fifty guineas, on condition that you
will pay similar sum if you lose"
After short silence, the young man
said gayly; Fifty guineas, my worthy
sorcerer, are more than a poor college
sizar ever possessed; but here are five,
which if you are satisfied, / shall be most
willing to wager"
The other took up his purse, saying in
a contemptuous tone: Young gentle
man, you wish to draw back?''
draw backi" exclaimed the student
" Well, if had fifty guineas, you should
see whether | wish to draw back"
Here" said l, ARE four guinness
which will stake on your wager"
NO sooner had l made this proposition,
than the rest of the company, attracted by
the slngularity of the affair, came for
ward to lay down their money; and in a
minute or two the fifty guineas were sub
scribed. The merchant appeared so sure
OF winning that he placed all of the stakes