Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-11-08
Hannah Screechesll.

From The Oston Transcript
a correspondent at osterville. Mass, writes
u.s. suppose nearly every village on the New
England coast has its traditional story connected
with the exploits of the far-famed Captain Kidd,
but the one to which universal credit is given.
10 the small secluded place in which am now
staying may be new to some of your readers
1t was told Us by an old sea captain. one beau
tifal afternoon just toward dusk (Which en-
HANGED the effect of the tale). to while away
part q! an our during which the wind left our
little bark as Z" idle as a painted ship upon a
painted ocean" Ii seems, so the legend runs
th;s captain Kidd. after an unusually success
ful expedition. entered the bay on the shores of
winch this village stands in search of a safe re-
po>itoTy for his ill-gOtten gains. He selected
sheltered spot on an island in its center and to
guard against it ever being disturbed ne killed
village maiden named Hannah aud left her
spirit to watch over the place till his return.
Years passed, and in all human probability Kidd
had been many years dead. and there lay the
treasure unclaimed, and to the somewhat indo-
lent V liagers 1t seemed a shame to miss the
eh1n"y' of acquiring wealth in such rapid man.
ner; % two OF the most daring men started. at
Hic1!Zht. Of course. and rOwed in a light skiff
TO the fated spot, taking with them rods OF
Wltcn hazel which. as everyone knows are un-
falling indicators Of the resting pace of any hid
dei treasure. They landed and slowly advanced
inland, watching anxiously for the bending of
Their wands to show the spot where their hopes
OF wealth lay. At length the witch hazel qui-
vered. waved wildly round (there was no breeZe).
AMI hnaiiy dropped slowly, till it nearly touched
tie ground.
The men seized their tools, and eagerly set to
WorN- Soon deep pit yawned before them,
ard their strength was beginning to fail, when
duii metallic sound greeted their ears. and
rouSrt them to redoubled activity, They had
struck something hard. and soon heavy iron
Chest was exposed to view. 1t had two strong
rll-s IN the top, and these the men firmly
graSi%d-when at once there arose on the night
the fearful scream of a woman The chest was
Slowly drawn down into the earth nearly mil
NM the men with ii. On looking round they
beheid themselves the center of a circle round
which were moving white animals of every
description, prancing and uttering the various
cries OF their species. The terrified men fled to
the boat, where q new horror awaited them
When they tried to pull OFF, behold Hannah
ut the stern. rObed in white. her hair blowing in
the wind and her eyes cleaning with unnatural
light holding the boat fast to the shore Their
fear Was great. bet one, happily remembering
what maine was used to exercise evil spirits
cred IN loud voice - Hannah In the name Of
the living God. let go,' and she threw I'D her
hands. shrank back and slowly vanished from
Their sight and their boat was free Having
been once disturbed Hannah can never rest
ana any time passing the island at midnight
you can hear her piercing cries Sceptical
ely PEOPLE say it is only the owls. but |
nave y on the authority Of the oldest inhabi-
tant that it s none other than Hannah
ScsQs--ae;n -