The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-07-14
A MILE A MINUTE wIrH A GHosr.
Adaiine Beavers Murder-rhs Strange atery
Told by Darius smith.

Prom ~ hetfH7 F0Qir
A few evenings ago Darius Smith who had
finished hay making west Of Lecsport Pa.
walked toward his home near Shoemakerville
about q o'clock in the evening. He soon reached
a point above Mohrsville. where the murder Of
Alkaline Beaver took place September or Octo-
Der. ct the time OF the Reading Fair. 1857. This
young lady was hrutally murdered 10y man
supposed 10 have been named Bessel. and who
war killed In a railroad accident on the Lebanon
Valley Railroad not long ago. When nearing
this place Smith felt II curious sensation about
his head and his brain reeled. He had never
believed in appariions, but right before him
stood what appeared TO he the form 81 woman
In white apparel and weeping. H hesitated.
not knowing whittier to 30. when the spectre
appeared to be enveoped in blue flame Sud
after reaching high altitude began singing n
most beautiful hymn. Smith was unable 10
move. After. cirrling in the air for about hve
minutes the form returned again. siil weeping.
Her hair WAS hanging down over her shout
dcrs. and her eyes seemed starting from their
sockets. She had pale and trembling hand.
and she pointed to the edge " the left bank Of
the Schuvlkill. where Miss Beaver was killed in
a narrow strip Of woods Then she exclaimed:
Therel therei near that Log Oh my -"
The form stretched lis hand" but" said Mr.
Smith. " ! was unable 70 move even ahand. II
motioned and heckoned me 10 come. | followed
and II led me TO the place. There lay the log,
all covered with fresh signs OF blood, Coming
in close. proximity now made sure y was the
form Of a woman. Her features looked bag
gard and worn. AS though having undergone a
terrible ordesl. could not do otherwise than
follow. more staggering than walking. more
dead than alivs through and over the river.
which fortunately only reached TO my knees.
down the right bank 10 railroad, where a
small hand-truck was standing on the track.
This had marks Of blood ~ though a body had
been dragged over IL. There she bsckoned me
10 sit. sat down and the spectre arose Ave or
six feet above ground. The truck now started.
and we flew with lightning velocity. ! rode a
mile in minute with the ghost. Suddenly
came To a halt from what cause am still I'M
able to say. We were beside little pond. She
now lad the way down 10 the water. looking so
worn that she crawlcd more than walked. Near
ing thu edge II the pond or small creek that was
almost hidden hy the nigh growing grass and
weeds, she exclaimed MY Cod my God
Horsl herep and with this strange sentence on
her lips she fell nto the stream. ] now scanned
TO realize more than ever my perilous position.
Fright took the place Of stupor. and |. with the
womanly form Still in the water. being dripping
wet started on n dead run toward home. | ran
rs never before ran for about two miles when
before tho house Of friend nj Shoemakerville.
foil PROSTATE at his gate. was unable to relate
my terrible experience until had rested. and
that WAS not until bright sunshine next day He
kindly took me in and cared for me. My friend
said he never saw such q haggard and pale look
ON a man 3 face before After fully relating my
experience and taking light breakfast and a
cup Of tea. started on my way home. with n
fun Discriminate never 70 travel that road
again by night" SO much for the strange story
of Darius Smith.