The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1882-12-23
ruRvsYoRoP's CHRISTMAS EVE OR,
THE GH0sTLy EXPRESS,

now that the rain had ceased for a
moment, the water lay in pools in
stead of draining away. The Oldest
inhabitant had never seen such
kono before. The waves had dashed
over the edges Of the wharves casting
up spray over the shelter sheds.
The only schooner in the harbour
was stove in against the end of the
old Custom House wharf by the
violence of the first blast. The few
ships from foreign ports had all
suffered more or less damage.
M For hours it had been impossible
to go out of doors business had
utterly ceased. But the ceasclcss
pour of the rain had lulled and only
the ftful sobbing of the wind was to
be heard echoing round the corners.
/ did not care to go out but l
could not stay oil night in my Office.
l must get home some way. AT last
l blew out the lamps that all day
had cast fitful radiance over the
scene of my labours and having seen
that every thing was secure | shut
the door and locked it.
1t was frightfully dark and the
lamp at the Bank corner gave a
misty light that seemed to say "Rely
on yourself and not on me-" The
foot-path and the centre of the
street were alike seas of mud /
found. AT every step | sank ancle-
deep. Stepping across the road, i
went into the saloon and took fid.
A few friends were inside but hastily
bidding them a Merry Christmas I
went out. / reached the corner of
the street without meeting any body.
But Just before me l saw with joy
and surprise an express standing by
the foot-path. l walked up and
asked if it were disengaged, hearing
no reply l jumped in, calling out mt
the same time ''Drive home quickly.
I'm in hurry" l lay back without
looking around and, pulling out a
cigar, lit it. In doing this l became
aware of the presence of another
person in the express. Thinking it
might be some friend who was
courteously sharing his express with
me proifered him cigar. He
rejected it without speaking and
seemed to settle himself further
back in his corner to avoid being
seen.
thought to myself "well, here's a
pretty go" and pulled vigorously
away. Laying back as l smoked |
thought that would find out who
this queer stick was and so / essayed
to break the ice by remarking. otis
been an awful day" Still no answer.
Well, ] thought, if you arc going to
be so gruff I'll be the same and l
lay back and pulled more vigorously
than before.
Suddenly there was an awful roll
Of thunder and the rain come dashing
pitilessly down in torrents. The
lightning flasbedin sheets of dazzling
brilliance and made the murky
darkness blackcr by its sharp
contrast. My thoughts had been
preoccupied with my silent com,
paJiion and l had not noticed where
we were going, when u less vivid
flash than usual showed me that we
were proceeding up the valley
towards the Pail. We had almost
reached tho top of the emiuence
where Judd street now runs of
and although it was much out o.
my road and ! was anxious to get
home, / said nothing as ! knew there
were but few more houses and
was still curious to know who my
silent companion was. AL. this time
he had never spoken word Of
moved from his original position but
when we reached the top of tn;
eminence he suddenly sat up and il
an intense, scpulchral whisper sale
to the driver, son! on! faster! wei
never get there" The driver seen
suddenly galvanized and the horse
broke into trot. "Faster! Faster,
again he whispered. The trot became
canter and the canter a gallop.
could scarce believe my senses. Thu
wind whisteed round us with thu
speed we were going and the rail-
still fell in heavy dripping. Neve
in my experience had horse gone
up that road faster than a gentle tro
and here was horsegalloping will
a load on such night as this. l grew
frightened and shouted to the drive
to stop, but he seemed not to hea
me, and still that strange myster.