Connecticut western news., 1877-09-14
The Haunted Coach.
A MARVELLOUS STORY.

Once upon time, having a bit o money left me by an uncle, found my self better off than had ever been be fore, and thought came to me to make myself better off still.
 Peggy" says I to my wife, ''what do you think of buying a coach and { pair of horses, and setting up on my owr account? There's lot of money to be made by smart man, with people going home from balls and theatres, and rainy Sundays at fashionable churches, wher the ladies come out without umbrellas If you say so, Peggy, I'll spend my windfall on coach and horses.'
 Says Peggy:
 ''Do, Simon it's grand idea"
 So did,,
 went out the next day and began tc look for what wanted. I'd been ex. aminfng fine pair of horses, and was nearly ready to make bargain, when a tall gentleman, with the hollowest cheeks and the most miserable counten- ance ever saw touched me on the arm. "My man," said he, s'are you looking for coach and horses r"
 "Yes, sir, am," said.
 "I can show you what you want, if you'll come with me-" he said.
 l looked at him a moment. His face was such face as l never saw before. l couldn't help 1t. But he was splen- didly dressed, and had diamond on his finger; a rich man, I should have judged.
 ''I'm looking for coach and horses, such as poor man can afford to drive for living" said I. ''It's for myself, sir.''
 ''Yes, yes," said he walking on in a hurry, ''yes, yes; but you don't object to handsome carriage and horses that are something to be proud of.''
 "I might object to the price, sir," I said.
 ''Look here, my man," said he, not looking at me, but away at nothing as it seemed, ''now and then a man of means-a man considered rich by his friends-wants ready money. In that case he'd rather have it at once than wait for more. Haggling with dealers don't suit me. I'd rather make pri- vate, quiet sort of sale, and if you don t make talk about it, why, you shall have the horses at your own price-the carriage, too. You know I don't want my selling them talked over."
 ''I see sir,' said I.
 And I thought did.
 "All is not gold that glitters," said I to myself. "Here's a swell in diff1cul. ties.''
 And by that time we were at the door of handsome house, and he opened it with latch key, and took me through hall to his garden out of which opened stable and carriage house.
 Well, he had a pair of the best step- pers I ever saw, and carriage that was beauty, I can tell you.
 ''There's a stain on one of the cush- ions," said he. s'We broke bottle of port wine there the other 'oy. You won't mind that much, dare ay; and now name your price and take your bargain"
 It was a bargain for l named much less than they were worth; and I paid my money, and he gave me a receipt and he drove away as proud as a pea cock.
 That night I went to the railway to wait for passengers, and picked up 8 young clergyman with alot of baggage who wanted to go to H.. He got in and drove away, and nothing hap. pened on the road |; but when he alighted at the door he was going to, he said gravely:
 "I made no objection, on account ot it's being lady, coachman, but persons do not usually expecti other passengers if they pay full price,"
 "Other passengers, sir ?' said I, sI do not understand you."
 ''The young woman," said he, "whc is asleep in the coach."
 ''She's got in unbeknown to me-" says I. "I'll see about it.''
 "No disturbance on my account '' he said.
 And the house door opened, and his IrlSDQS came out.
 ''I beg you'll not consider that I ob' jected," he said.
 And then the house door closed.
 It was quite dark, and could not see any one in the carriage when I put my head in. Then struck match. There was no one inside.
 els this his joke," said to myself Cor is he a lunaticP''
 Then banged the door to. mounted and drove of. All next day drov my coach and made good thing by it and at night went to the station again This time took up two ladies witt bags and bundles, who were in hurry So drove fast. We'd gone good way