Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-09-10

said the landlord.
"See to my horse outside" replied the
guest carelessly, but at the same time
eyeing the landlord from head to foot /;
land le. mo have somo wine--Rhine
will do
The landlord was turning 10 withdraw
from the strangers presence. when be
stopped and said:
Which way. meinheer, do you trav-
elPn
ITO Nanstadt," replied the guest.
"You will stop here tonight, l sup
pose, continued the landlord.
I'll will stay buro for iva or three
hours but must then be of 80 Is to
reach my destination there 10 tho morn
ing am going to purchase lumber
Tor tho market
And you have considerable money
with you; ne doubt; asked the landlord
innOoently
YES, considerable, replied the guest.
slipping his wine disinterestedly.
Then. If you'll take my advice" ," said
the landlord. you'll stay here till morn
ing
why ?" replied tho stranger looking
up curiously,
Because. whispered the landlord.
looking around as il be were disclosiug
great secret, and was afraid OF being
heard by somebody else, "every man
that has passed over the road between
this and Nahsladt at midnight for the
last ten yesrs, has been robbed or mur-
dered under very singular circum-
stances
What were the circumstances p
asked the stranger. putting down his
empty glass and preparing TO fill i,
again.
why. you see," the landlord went
on, whilo be approached his guests IA
bic and took a scat. Il have spoken
with several who have been robbed; all
| could learn from them is that they re-
member meeting In the lonesome part OF
the wood, something white and ghostly
and thal frightened their horses so iba,
they either ran away or threw their rid
ers they felt choking sensation and e
sort Of smo.horing. and finally died. as
they thought, bat awoke In an hour or
so to find themselves lying by the road
side. robbed OF everything"
Indeed" calculated the stranger.
looking abstractedIy at the rsiters in the
ceiling. as though he WAS more intent
upon counting them than be was inter-
ested in tho landlords story.
The inn-keeper looked at him with as
tonishment. such perfect GOODNESS he
had no; witnessed for a long time.
"You will remain, then p suggested
the landlord. after waiting some time for
his guest to speak.
"I!' said the stranger. starting from
his fit OF abstraction as though he WAS
not sure he was the person addressed.
"Ob. most certainly not; I'm going
straight ahead. ghost OF no ghost; to.
night
Halt an hour later the stranger and a
guide called Wilhelm, were on, on the
road going as q pretty round pace to-
wards Nsnsiadt.
Daring fash Of lightning the stran-
ger observed tha. his guide looked very
uneasy about somethin!, and was slack
ening his horses pace as though he in
tended to drop behind.
LEAD on" cried the stranger, "don'l
be afraid"
I'm afraid 1 cannot" replied the
person addressed, continuing to hold his
horse in until he was now at least length
behind his companion. my horse is cow
ardly and unmRnsgeable in thunder
storm. Ii you will go on though. !
think can mako him follow close
enough to point out the road"
The stranger pulled up instantly. A
strange light cleaned in his eyes, while
his hands sought his breast pocket, from
which he drew something. The guide
saw the movement and stopped also.
"Guides should lead, not follow" said
the stranger quietly, but with frmness
which seemed to be exceedingly nnpleas-
ant to the person addressed.
"Bnt." fsltered the guide, my horse
won't 60"
Wont he ?" queried the stranger
With mock simplicity.
The guide heard sharp click and
saw something CLEAN in his companion's
rigAl hand. lie understood perfectly
for he Immediately drove spurs into his
horses fanks, and shot away ahead oI
his companion, without another word
He no sooner reached his old position
however, than the stranger saw him
give sharp turn to the right and
disappear, as though he had vanished
through the foliage OF the trees tina,
skirted the road. He heard the clattel
OF his horse as he galloped off. Without
waiting another instant he touched bis
horse lightly with the reins, gave him q
prick with the rowels. and of the noble
animal started like the wind in the wake
OF the ilying guide.