The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1883-07-06
But Just at this instant, around a

dozen rods away, was heard the sound
of horses hoofs and carriage wheels.
The moon threw broad, white
light upon the road, and Mr.. Perkins
knew that he could not recross with
out being seen by the occupants of the
approaching vehicle. Accordingly, he
darted behind clump of elder bushes,
and, crouching down, waited in breath.
less anxiety.
Jerusalem p he muttered to him.
self. "This pretty pickle for dea-
con of the church to be in !"
Nearer and nearer came the car
rage, the horse jogging along at fu-
nereal evidently the driver was
in no hurry.
There were two persons in the car
riage. The moonlight fell full on their
faces, and Mr.. Perkins, peering through
the bushes, recognized Henry Martin,
a likely young farmer Of the vicinity.
and Dora Sanders, his sweetheart. 1t
may be well to state just here that the
two were returning from party at
which, for wonder, fair Dora had
been so unusually gracious that young
Martin, hitherto very timid lover,
had courageously made up his mind to
go through the trying ordeal Of "pop-
ping the question" on their homeward
Journey. Indeed, by the time they
had reached the Perkins domain, he
had actually gotten so far as to say in
stammering tone:
"And now, Dora, you know, just as
well as do, that would do anything
know l 10"
ooh, oh, oh p screamed Dora, for
Just at this instant, the horse, being
endowed with the short-sightedness of
animals in general, had suddenly seen
something white in the bushes--in
fact, nothing less than a CLEAN of Mr..
Perkins flowing drapery-and, much
frightened, SHE'D to the other side of
the road.
Coaxing, commands and even the
whip awaited nothing. Balky and de-
termined, he would not pass the I'M
known object.
"Blast the creature What ais
him? He's never acted so BEFORE"
Martin exclaimed.
Don't whip him again ! He's
frightened. He sees something in the
bushes. know he does-I see it my
self-it's something white"
GA garment blown from clothes
line. Or, maybe it's a newspaper. I'll
go and see.'
"No! Don't leave the horse He's
too nervous. Just see how he trem-
bles. You hold him by the bride and
I'll go and see what it is" and with
nimble bound, Dora sprang from the
carriage and walked toward the bushes.
Now Mr. Perkins was not a nervous
man, but his predicament at this par
ticular minute was not very pleasant.
The thought of his scant attire filled
him with CONSERVATION. And there
shea fine, modest young lady!-was
every moment drawing nearer and
nearer. A notifying discovery was
inevitable The only alternative was
to take refuge in fight.
The next instant young Martin and
Miss Dora were startled at seeing a
tall, white figure spring from behind
the clump of bushes, dart across the
road, and, half-lost among the shadows,
creep along the side of the fence.
The horse, rendered frantic by this
sudden apparition, gave a violent
plunge, and, breaking loose from his
masters hold, rushed madly down the
road.
"Oh, Henry! What is it? A
ghost-Pm sure it is You know
that peddler was found murdered
just about here years ago. And I've
heard the place is haunted ! Oh, it's
a ghost Its ghost p
Nonsense Ten chances to one
it's burglar up to some deviltry.
Pm going to shoot at bim- that's
what am p
For, knowing that he would have
to ride five miles over a lonely road,
and having his mind somewhat exer-
cised by the reports of there being bur-
glars about, Harry Martin had that
evening taken the precaution to bring
revolver with him. Drawing this
out now, he cried, excitedly:
"Speak, or I'll shoot -
Unfortunately, Mr.. Perkins was a
little bit deaf, and, in his trepidation,
did not hear what was said. His only
desire was to get within the shelter of
his own house. For several yards
along the fence there grew row of
brier-roses, and here he tloundered, the
sharp thorns clinging to his garment
and decorating his flesh, as he vainly
strove to find some opening through
, which he might climb over.
, Just as he put one foot on the lower
rail in the act of leaping over, he heard
the report of the pistol and felt a shot
singing in the tleshy part of his leg.
Groaning with ain, he sank upon the
grass.
GOOD heavens, Dora It's Mr.. Per-
kins himself" young Martin ex-
claimed ON ercOmn with horror and