The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1882-05-20
THE TRANSFERRED GHOST.

Inc TeblucHCe Ol MT. JOIN nlOCk-
man was delightful place to me for many
reasons. 1t was the abode of a genial, though
somewhat impulsive, hospitality. 1t had
broad, smooth-shaven lawns and towering
oaks and elms; there were bosky shades at
several points, and not far from the house
there was little rill spanned by rustic bridge
with the bark on; there were fruits and flow
ers, pleasant people, chess, billiards, rides,
walks and fishing. These were great attrac-
tions, but none of them, nor all of them to-
gether would have been sufficient to hold me
to the place very long. had been invited fer
the trout season, but should, probably, have
finished my visit early in the summer had it
not been that upon fair days, when the grass
was dry and the sun was not too hot, and
there was but little wind there strolled be-
meath the lofty elms, or passed lightly through
the bosky shades, the form of my Madeline.
This lady was not, in very truth, my Mad
cline. She had never given herself to me, nor
had l, in any way, acquired possession of her.
But as | considered her possession the only
sufficient reason for the continuance of my
existence, l called her. in my reveries, mine.
1t may have been that | would not have been
Obliged to contine the use of this possessive
pronoun to my reveries had / confessed the
state OF my feelings to the lady.
But this was an unusually difficult thing to
do. No only did dread, as almost all lovers
dread, taking the step which would in an in
slant put an end to that delightful season
which may be termed the ante-interrogatory
period OF love, and which might at the same
time terminate all intercourse or connection
with the object OF my passion; but was, also,
drcadfully afraid of John Hinckman. This
gentleman was a good friend of mine, but it
would have required holder man than was
At that time to ask him for the gift of his
niece, who was the head Of his household, and,
according to his own frequent statement, the
main prop of his declining years Had Mad
cline acquiesced in my general views on the
Snhippt | mi uht how fol 20
the matter to MIR. Hinckman, but as l said
before, had never asked her whether or not
she would be mine. thought of these things at
all hours of the day and night, particularly the
latter
l was lying awake one night, in the great
bed in my spacious chamber, when, by the dim
light OF the new moon, which partially filled
the room, | saw John Hinckman standing by a
large chair near the door. l was very much
surprised at this for two reasons. In the first
place, my host had never before come in my
room, and in the second place, he had gone
from home that morning, and had not expected
TO return for several days. 1t was for this rea-
son that had been able that evening to sill
much later than usual with Madeline on the
mo Nit porch. The figure was Ger ainly that
OF John Hinckman in his ordinary dress, but
there was a Vagueness and indis tinctness about
1t which presently assured me that it was a
ghost. Had the good old man been murdered
and had his spirit come to tell me of the deed
and to confide to me the protection of his deal
=. My heart fiuttered at what | was about
to think, but at this instant the figure spoke
"Eoyou know, he said, with a countenance
that indicated anxiety, ''if Mr.. Hinckman will
return to night?
thoughtit we'll to maintain a calm exterior
and answered:
1--WE do not expect him.
II am glad of that" said he sinking into
the chair by which he stood During he two
years and half that have inhabited thi.
house, that man has never before been ava,
Tor single night. You can't imagine the re
lief 1t gives me'
And as he spoke he stretched out his leg.
andleaned back in the chair His form became
less vague, and the colors of his garments more
distinct and evident, while an expression oil
gratifed relief succeeded to the anxiety of his
countenance.
Two years and halfr' | exclaimed 90
don't unde stand YOU"
ut is fully that length of time, said the
ghost, "since first came here Mine is moi
an ordinary case. But before say anythsp
more about it, let me ask you again If vol
are sure Mr.. Hinckman will not return to
nighll"
81 am as sure OF It as can be of ANYTHING, !,
! answered: "He left to-day for Bristol, two
hundred miles away"
Then will go on" said the ghost, ''for
am glad to have he opportunity OF talking tC
some one who will listen to me: but II JohI
Hinckman should come in and catch me here
should be frightened out of my wits"
This is all very strange" / said. ereatl,
puzzled by what ! had heard. "Are you tn,
ghost OF Mr.. Hnckman!"
This was bold question: but my mind wa
so full of other emotions that there seemed t,
be no room for that of fear.
Yes, / am his ghost" my companion re
piled, land yet have no right to be- AnC
this is what makes me SO uneasy and so muci
afraid of him. It, is a strange story, and,
truly believe, without precedent. Two year
and half ago, John Hinckman was danger
ously Ill In this very room. At one time h
was so far gone that he was really believed I,
be dead. 1t was 10 consequence of too pre-
cipitate report In regard to this ma ter tina
was at that time appointed to be his ghost
Imagine my surprise and horror sir, when
after had accepted the position and assume,
It's responsibilities, that old man revived, be
came convalescent, and eventually regainet
his usual health. Ny situation was now on
Of extreme delicacy and embarrassment ha,
no power to return to my original unembodI
ment, and had no right TO be the ghost OF
man who was not dead. was advised BIZ M
friends to quietly maintain my position AM
was assured that, as John Hinckman was al
elderly man, 1t could not be long before
could rightfuly assume the position for whicl
had been selected. But | tell YOU sir.u n
continued, with animation, "the old fellow
seems as vigorous as ever, aud have no ide
how much longer this annoying state OF thing
will continue. spend my time trying TO &c
out OF that cid mans way. must not leav