Litchfield enquirer., 1880-07-01
THE GHOST OF A CHANCE.
A STRANGE STORY.

A STRANGE STORY.
 The whole affair sounds like the widest romance. Granted. It is not for me to go into the question of it's probability; simply record certain facts which have come under my notice. t.,. ..5..
 Here IS young fellow, like scores of others, with just enough property to live on and to derive him of the spur to exertion A bar rister, quite briefless, dabbling in art, liter ature and music, and doing nothing with either. Among other tastes he has one for quaint jewelry-not for his own adornment, but he collects 1t, and possesses many curious specimens, ancient and modern. 1 know him very we'll, and he has often shown me these treasures. One day called on him, after long vacation, and find him throwing off slip after slip of manuscript
 Excuse me five minutes" he says, land l shall have finished. have made wonder ful addition to my collection, and in the odd est manner. l am writing a story about it, and-there-that's the end of the first part" He had been scribbllng away while speaking, and now lays down his pen. ''You shall read for yourself" he goes on, gathering up hls manuscript, ''how it came about, and you will understand why l am rather excited at recalling this, the narrowest escape and the strangest adventure 1 ever had in my life." Then, lighting cigar and giving me another, he settles me in an easy chair by the fire and begins pacing the room, while read as fol- lows:
 left Kings Cross by the night mail on the 10th of last August. l was out of health, tired and wanted to sleep; so, settling my traps on the seat to my satisfaction, 1 sudden ly remembered that had nothing to read, and l called the guard to the window that he might get me a book. Returning in minute, he put into my hands Bulwer's "Strange Story;" and as gave him the money he said ''Now we're off in one minute, sir; hope you'll like my choice" Leisurely turning over the leaves by the light of the carriage lamp, I very soon found that the work my friend had selected was utterly distastefu to me, and regretted having wasted my money upon it. It was story, as most people know, treating of spiritual influences, a subject on which l was thoroughly sceptical I soon got tired of it :; but it served it's purpose. and sent me to sleep, and sound asleep remained till the train stopped at Peterborough.
 Only partly awake, remember letting down the window, and that several persons in the crowd on the platform tried to get into the carriage; one fellow, just as we were starting, thrust his head so far in that 1 thought he was going to make a harlequin's leap fer it. Drowsily congratulating myself on having had the door locked, was dropping off to sleep again when l suddenly discovered was not alone. Who was that seated in the opposite corner of the carriage? A young lady assured ly. The dim light from the lamp enabled me to discern that she was in evening dress, with the hood of her opera cloak over her head. She appeared to be busy fastening her earring into her left ear.
 "How odd" thought, ''that should not have seen her get in l" Here were my legs still stretched across the seat with my rug over them, and surely l must have known if she had passed me and the door had certainly never been opened. Very angry and dazzled determined to remcnstrate with the guard at the next station. What an odd costume, too for travelling,I thought; couldn't make it out. The young lady was very, quiet and still, and she appeared not to notice me. 1 hard ly liked to begin any conversation, so 1 sat watching her till sleepagain overlook me.
 All at once the slackening of speed and the shrill horrible, hollow danger whistle of the engine again disturbed my comfortable nap, and laisily looking out found tony surprise we were not stopping al any station, and that outside nothing could be seen. A darkness that might be felt was all that met the eye when turned to the open window, while the fresh damp air announced that we were in the
 
 breeze told of woods not far off. Neither station, lights nor dwellings were to be dis cerned in the utter gloom. A fnrtiye glance across the carriage showed the young lady still quietly sitting there fidgeting with her earring, and not the least alarmed at this in- terruptien to our journey: called to the guard as heran by the moment we stopped, and putting my head out of the window, in- quired what was the matter. t.t. s..f ..
 Nothing, sir," he said cheerily ''no danger; only the lines blocked, and we are waiting till they signal us to go on. expect it's goods that's being. shunted. It'll be all a low tone, "What possessed you to place this young lady in my carriage, when l. 80 es- peciaily enjoined you to keep it empty p. T never let anybody in," protested the man with surprise. "A young lady, do you say?" Springing on the step as drew my head back, he looked into the carriage and exclaimed, 'Why, there's no lady there, sir P ana:
 turned, and imagine my confusion, she was gone! ''This passes my understanding, said I, ''for though I'll swear she was there before spoke to you, there is certainly mo- body there now; she must have got out.'' l crossed to the further door and tried it it was locked sure enough, let down the glass and looked out, but in the darkness, of course, could see nothing. "Why, you've been dreaming, sir" said the guard, as I, looking somewhat small, resumed my seat.
 Don't tell me, cried l., indignantly. and disgusted at the absurdity of the position; ''I'm, perfectly convinced that she was in the carriagel Why herefis positive proof, l went on, as perceived and immediately picked up 2. gold earring from sthe4 floor be- tween her seat and mine. .,d Amazement,s min7i gied with. doubt and distrust, was plainly depicted on the guards a handsome '. .cou9te+ nance, as, regarding me- with 2 puzzled, half comical, expression, he, said, after a.minute,e ''Well. sir, if you really believe you saw her, 1 should advise your changing you carriage"
 "Why so 2".. 1 demanded, in surprise. Because it's well to be on the safe side, sir, for Eve heard something of this kind before Young ladies are dangerous customers in trains sometimes, sir" he added, with the twinkle coming into his eye again. As drew myself up somewhat indignantly, he, continued; They say an accident is always certain. to occur when an apparition has been seeu" ....
 So, opening the door. he began to collect my bags and traps. while I, perplexed, and not without some feeling o. alarm, alightcd and followed him hastily along the side of the line You might have seen some ladies and gentlemen, all dressed for party, get into the compartment in front of yours at Peter hhro,iph resumed the man aa he stAere0 me