The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1882-05-19
THE TRANSFERRED GHOST.

reasons. 1t was the abode OF 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 low-
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. l had been invited for
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 str lied 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 l considered her possession the only
sufficient reason for the continuance Of my
existence, l called her, in my reveries, mine.
It may have been that would not have been
obliged to confine the use of this possessive
pronoun to my reyeries had I confessed the
state of my feelings to the Lady.
But this was an unusually difficult thing TO
do. No only did l 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
time terminate all intercourse or connection
with the object of my passion; but I was, also,
dreadfully afraid Of John Hinckman. This
gentleman was good friend of mine, but it
would have required . holder man than I was
Q. that time to ask him for the gift of his
niece, who was the head of his household, and,
according 10 his own frequent statement, the
main prop of his declining years. Had Mad
cline acquiesced in my general views on the
subject. Knight have felt encouraged to open
the mat er to Mr.. Hinckman, but, as said
before, had never asked her whether or not
she would be mine. Thought Of these things at
oil hours Of the day and night, particularly the
latter.
/ was lying awake one night, in the great
bed in nv spacious chamber, when, by the dim
light of the new moon, which partially filed
the room, I saw John Hinckman standing by a
large chair near the door. I 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. It was for this rea-
son that had been able that evening to sit
much later than usual with Madeline on the
mo nlt porch. The figure was Ger ainly that
Of john Hinckman in his ordinary dress, but
there was a vagueness and indistinctness about
II which presently assured me that it was q
ghost Had the good old man been murderedl
and had his spirit come to tell me of the deed,
and to confide to me the protection of his dear
- NV heart futtered at what was about
20 think, but at this instant the figure spoke.
"Do you know, )" he said, with countenance
that indicated anxiety, IF Mr.. Hinckman will
return tonight"
l thbughtit well to maintain calm exterior,
and answered:
1--WE do not expect him."
81 am glad of that" said he, sinking into
the chair by which he stood. 'tDuring he two
years and half that 1 have inhabited this
house, that man has never before been away
for q single night. You can't imagine the 70
lief it gives me-"
And as he spoke he stretched out his legs
andleaned back in the chair His form became
less vague, and the colors of his garments more
distinct and evident, while an expression OF
gratified relief succeeded to the anxiety Of hia
eountenance.
"Two years and half" exclaimed. 81
don't understand you"
ghost, ''since first came here. Mine Is moi
IN ordinary case. But before say anything
more about it, let me ask you again il you
lre sure Mr.. Hinckman win not return TO-
aighti" ;,
! answered: "He left to-day for Bristol, two
hundred miles away"
"Then win go on" said the ghost, sfor
an glad to have the opportunity Of talking ia
some one who will listen to me; but II John
Hinckman should come in and catch me here,
should be frightened out Of my wits"
This is all very str strapse% said: s,e, y!
Ihost of Mr. Hinckmanp
This was bold question, but my mind VA
- full of other emotions that there seemed to
1e no room for that Of fear.
"Yes, / am his ghost, " ny companion re
P1ied, land yet have NO right to be. And
This Is what makes me 20 uneasy, and 90 much
- ~ d; t. e ar fnv1 md