Catoctin clarion., 1883-07-19

Blast the creaturel What ails
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
myself-it's something white
"A garment blown FROM a clothes
line. Or, maybe it's newspaper.
I'll 50 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 90 and see what it is apd with a
nimble bound, Dora sprang from the
carriage and walked toward the
bushes.
Now Mr.. Perkins was not ncr-
vous man, but his predicamcnt at
this particular minute WAS not very
pleasant. The thought of his scant
attire filled him with CONSERVATION
And there shea fine, modest young
laGy--was every moment drawing
nearer und nearer. A notifying dis
covery was inevitable. The only al
ternatiye was take refuge in flight.
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 shad-
ows, ere op along the side OF the fence.
The horse, rendered frantic by this
sudden apparatlon, gave Il violent
plunge, and, breaking loose from his
master hold. rushed madly down the
road.
oh, Henry What is it? A ghost
I'm sure it is You known that a
pcddler was found murdered just
about here years ago, And I've heard
the place is haunted ! Oh, its a ghost
its Il ghost -
Nonsense. Ten chances to one
it's n burglar up to some deviltry.
I'm goin, W shoot at I'M ,hato
what | am :
For, knowing that he would have
to ride five miles over Il lonely road,
and having his mind somewhat eNer-
cised by the reports Of there being
burglars about, Harry Martin had
that evening taken the precaution to
bring a revolver with him. Drawing
this out now, he cried, excitcdly:
'Sneak, o. 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
hrier-roSes, and here he iloundercd,
the sharp thorns cNnging to his gar
mcnt and decorating his flesh, as he
vainlv strove to find some opening
through which he might climb over.
Just AS he put one foot Oh the low
er rail i'll the act Of leaping over, he
heard the report Of the pistol and felt
II shot singing in the tlcshy part Of
his leg. Groaning with pain, he sank
upon the grass.
Good heavens, Dora It's Mr.. Per-
kins himself!' young Martin exclain-
ed, overcome with horror and dis
may.
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 ncr-
vous persons, who, weak at imaginary
dangers, are strong in time Of real
trouble; aud, repressing her emotion,
she calmly assisted Mr.. Martin and
Dora in bringingin the helpless body
Of her husband.
But an hour later, when Mr.. Per-
kins lay comfortably in bed, rejoicing
in the assurance that the wound was
trillng, his wife could not help Say
ing as she sank into an easy-chalr be-
side him
4 knew that something would hap
pen tonight! What do you think
of my presentiment now, Mr.. Per
kins!'
An AutOIm Marvel.