Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1880-09-11

low FARMER DIDN'T LET So,uOU.
Some four or five weeks since q man
and woman were encamped for some
time in q wood, in Hamilton township,
lying toward the North Mountain.
They claimed to belong to that snomad-
ic tribe, the Gypsies, and therefore were
able and willing TO unlock the future
to any one who was agreed to cross
their swarthy palmcs with silver.
Well aware OF the desire everybody
has to get rich quickly and easily, they
laid their plans and selected farmer
living in that locality who wasl to fill
their purses at tho expense OF his own.
They called upon him and after show
ing him some very wonderful things
they proceeded to tell what was in
store for him. Among other things
they stated that $4,000 lay buried OH
the John Palmer farm, and informed
him how this gold would come into
his possession. Without waiting TO in
quirc why they did not get it them
selves, he snatchcd at the rich looking
bait, swallowed it and was securely
hooked. lie was asked if he did not
have q watch. lie answered that he
did not. "Is there one in tho house."
they inquired. Eyes, my aunt has
one" was his answer. lie was then
informed if he would give them tic
watch which was q gold one worth
abont $50, and the paltry sum OF 800
in cash the secret would be his aud the
$4,000 secure.
Having but ten dollars in cash on
hand ho came TO Chambcrsburg and
borrowed ninety dollars TO put to his
ten. The party returned 10 help him
to get rid OF his money. To prove to
tile farmer their truthiulnGSs and fair
ness in tho matter they proposed that
the money and the watch should be put
in the family bible, and. placed N tho
bottom of chest, and at the end OF
nine days they would como back, the
secret unlocked, the 800 paid to them
and he have q clear title to the amount
that was awaiting an owner The
money was placed in the Bible and put
in the bottom of the chest AZ directed.
Tho supposed Gypsey and his victim
then went ont of the house TO cut some
sticks of q peculiar shape, while the
woman was to sit on the chest for thrco
minutes, entirely alone. At the expira
ton Of that time they returned TO tho
house Everything being in proper
shape now they bade the man adieu
and drove away.
Woman is not the only curious crea
turc.-About tho eighth day the farmer
began to wonder more and moro about
his chances for obtaining the treasure.
With his excited curiosity his suspicious
became aroused and before tho ninth
day dawned he made an examination
OF the chest. Tho spirits had been at
work, for watch and money were gone,
though the Bible remained! After
some hesitation rs to what was best TO
do in the matter he came to Chambers
burg, consulted another fortune teller,
possibly a lawyer, paid tho necessary
fec and was informed that the purport-
cd gypsies were to be found near the
State Line IIe took the train for Mer.
cersburg and found on reaching that
point that the party he was in pursuit
of was three days in advance. As lie
would need TO proceed by foot tho re-
mainder of the way he gave up the
chase and walked homo that night,
thoroughly disgusted with fortune tell
ing. We have not heard of any other
formers in that vicinity hunting gypsies
to pay their hard earned money to-
Cham6ersGurg Spirit.