The Plymouth Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1878-1901, 1879-03-13
VAN TASSEL'S GHOST.
CHAPTER III.

1t was perhaps a week after this
that Lena expressed a wish to visit a
young friend. residing some two or
three miles distant, and, as iE duty
bound, Ichabod accompanied her.
The visit vas undoubtedly a very
pleasant. one, and the hours slipped
away 80 delightfully."-, that tho moon
had already silvered the tree-tops,
ere they set out upon their return.
About half a mile from the family
mansion. was thick wood, some rods
in extent. and as they entered its
gloomy depths. which the rays OF the
moon had not yet penetrated, Icha-
bod, screwing up his courage, began
to talk and jest loudly, and even ven
tured upon saying several very ten
der things TO Lena.
Suddenly was heard hollow groanl
Ichabod dropped the reins, and his
hair stood erect with terror.
Another grtan still deeper.
"Lena, did not you hear some
thing?' tremblingly asked Ichabod.
But having moment before, com
menced singing, "Meet Me by Moon
light she probably heard neither the
question nor its cause. or she would
undoubtedly have answered.
A tall. white figure, with fiery eye
balls, now rushed across the road
bounded into the wagon-bounced
Ichabod oat, heels ovsr head-then
quietly dropping into the vacant seat,
uttered another tremendous groan, or
rather howl, and drove rapidly away
with Lena.
And was not she almost frightened
to death? Why, bless you, no; on
the contrary, she laughed immoder-
ately, AID 50 did the ghostl
"Pocr fellow!' she exclaimed, at
length, II hope he Is not huril"
Never fear" cried the ghost. drop
ping off his head. and displaying in
lieu, the round, roguish one OF Paul
Britton, Il took good care 10 aim at
pile OF dry leaves but now tell me.
dear Lena. how does the plot sue
ceed?"
@Oh, admirably, Paul." replied the
naughty girl. II really believe at
times he is afraid OF me, for / have
caught him looking at me In such a
queer mannerl 1 told him last night
that, as un,le wilied 1t 90, supposed
must marry him, but that he might
have cause TO repent OF i'll added
too. in a very significant manner,
that strange thiags had been done
within the walls OF the old house, a
might be againl"
"Hal hal ha! Goodl. we'll what die
he say?"
20. turned pale. and left the room
and / believe has already limited tc
uncle that he has altered his mind
and would rather look for another
wife,"
And that he shall do pretty quick
by all my hopes OF matrimoneyi" ex
claimed Paul.
But We will shut our ears to th'
many tender vows uttered on tn,
way home. and merely state, that al
ter leaving Lena safely under the lit
tie trellised porch. Paul started home
ward, meeting Ichabod about hal
way, plodding on. pale, frightened
and weary or course. Paul wa
much astonished at the encounter:
"Why, my dear friend, is it possibl
this is you'll Why. what is the mat
ter? how pale you look-or is 1t th
moonl"
, Ichabod gasped out, "It's tn
ghostl"
"Ahl what, againl"
And Paul listened attentively to
somewhat exaggerated account c
the evenings adventure. throwing |
! at the right intervals all the prope
@ohsl' and "ahsl" OF astonishment.
And Lena. Ichabod-good heav
ensl what became OF her?"
, Il don't know, indeedl I could SO
nothing, but head the rattling {
wheels, and what seemed TO m
shouts OF fiendish laughter"
, "Is it possible? Em-em-the
the ghost must have driven off wit
y her? Yes, yes. plain enough-plal
enoughl" added Paul, half asid
"Ichabod, / tell you what it is,"
!. continued, speaking with great ell
= Phasis, sunless you instantly rend'
:, your marriage with that girl impo
;. sible, you are ruined, body and SOL
your case Is DIRE adfull"
: But how? what can / do?" sal
the poor, frightened fellow -"only al
wise me, and will do as YOU thin