The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1883-07-14

endowed with the sharp-sightedness o
animals in general, had suddenly seer
something white in the bushes-in fact
nothing less than a CLEAN Of Mr.. Perk
mss flowing drapery-and, much fright
ened, shied to the other side Of the
road.
Coaxing, commands and even the
whip availed nothing. Balky and de-
termined, he would not pass the un.
known object.
"Blast the creaturel What ails him
He's never acted so BEFORE" Martin
exclaimed.
"Don't whip him again. He's fright
ened. He sees somethingi in the bushes.
] know he does-I see il myself-it's
something white"
ga garment blown from a clothes
line. Or, maybe it's a newspaper
I'll 60 and see."
"No ! Don't leave the horse He's
too nervousl Just see how he trembles.
You hold him by the bride and I'll go
and see what il is" and with nimble
bound, Dora sprang from the carriage
and walked towards 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 ladyl-was
every moment drawing nearer and near
er. A mortifying discovery was inevi-
table, The only alternative was to take
refuge in fight.
The next instant young Martin and
Miss Dora were startled at seeing 4
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 violent plunge,
and, breaking loose from his masters
hold, rushed madly down the road.
"Oh, Henry! What is it? A ghost
I'm sure it is You know that a ped
dler was found murdered just about
here years ago. And I've heard the
place is haunted oh, it's a ghos, -
it's ghost!''
"Nonsensei Ten chances to one it's
burglar up to some deviltry. I'm
going to shoot at him-that's what |
ami"
For, knowing that he would have to
ride five miles over lonely road, and
having his mind somewhat exercised by
the reports Of there being burglars
about, Harry Martin had that evening
taken the precaution to bring a revolt
yer 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 a row Of brier.
roses, and here he foundered, the sharp
thorns clinging to his garment and
lacerating his flesh, as he vainly strove
to find some opening through which. nc
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 fleshy par, OF his leg
Groaning with pain, he sank upon the
grass.
GOOD heavens, Dora It'sMr. Perk-
ins himself" young Martin exclaimed,
overcome with horror and dismay.
The confusion Of the next hour may
be easily imagined. Dora rushed up
TO the house. She was met at the door
by Mrs. Perkins, whose alarm at the
long absence Of her husband had been
increased by the report Of the pistol
Fortunately, the little woman acted
like many other nervous persons, who,
weak at imaginary dangers, are strong
in time Of real trouble; and, repressing
hei emotion, she calmly assisted Mr..
Martin and Dora in bringing in the
helpless body Of her husband.
But an honr later, when Mr.. Perkins
lay comfortably in bed, rejoicing in the
assurance that the wound was triAing,
his wife could not help saying as she
sank into an easy-chair beside him:
al knew that something would hap
pen tonight What do you think Of
my presentiment aoso, Mr.. Perkins?"