Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1884-10-24


was afraid to speak, lest 4 strange voice
might alter his purpose if it was pacific.
l, therefore, looked kindly at him and
smiled. Majestically striding up 10 me
he laid his broad head upon my knee and
cautiously began 10 caress him. During
the operation Mr.. Shelly fortunately ap-
pcarcd upon the scene. lie gave quick
glance toward me, and, calling the dog,
took him to his kennel and chained him.
Then it was | explained to him the cir
cumstances, of my early rising and the
unexpected meeting OF Captain on the
porch.
81 don't quite comprehend your good
luck with the dog" he remarked, "but
would advise you in future TO keep within
doors until you have seen me about"
''lf you have no objection" l replied,
81 would very much like to feed the dog
once-only once. | will be very careful,
but really will consider it favor il you
will consent to my request"
"All right" he returned. "Iou know
what have saiG about his terrible nature;
therefore be OH your guard"
That day carried Captain his dinner
and he devoured it while | stood by his
side. From thenceforth had not mis-
giving rs to his good disposition toward
me.
was detained at the farm for six days
before the lameness OF my horse allowed
me to resume my journey. During this
period | became much attached 10 Mr..
Shelly and his wife. Captain and myself
had grown to be such good friends that
we had taken several strolls together over
the land.
Notwithstanding my host and hostess
appeared to be aiiectionatcly attached To
each other, there was certainly something
wrong at the farm and it could not escape
an observant eye. Once or twice had
come upon Mr.. Shelly and his wife uneX-
pcctedly and thought | detected traces
of tears in her eyes, while her manner cv-
identity betrayed fear. Still her husband
was so kind all the while that could not
avoid pondering on the matter. never
intruded my presence upon them if could
avoid, but it sometimes would occur in
spite OF me.
One afternoon came into the room abb
ruptly and found Mr.. Shelley tanning his
wife, and caught remark he uttered
with strong emphasis. Owe must sell
this place." he said, "for it appears im-
possible for you to have days happiness
here, and would sooner sacrifice it than
see you die slowly before my eyes. Oh,
It's too hard - and he kissed her brow.
Turning about, he saw me and knew
had heard his expression.
81 think | will lie down." said Mrs.
Shelly, and rs she passed me noticed her
face was as pale as the dcal.
When she had gone up stairs Mr. Shelly
turned to me and said: 81 suppose you
perceive there is something aniss here.
You see no hands about the place, and
general state of idlcness reigns supreme.
am going to tell you what it means. The
only thing am afraid of is that YOU may
consider me mailman or fool, but
swear to you what am about 10 rela;e is
as true rs holy writ. | am IN honest
man, sir, and truthful one, consequently
| do not lie when / say we have an-appa-
riton-in short, & ghost here. pray you
do not hastily imagine that | am weak
and supersttious man; you shall he con-
vinced, for you may see the whole matter
with your own eyes and then judge for
yourself. My wife's health has been FAIL
ing ever since this thing came about, and
it breaks my heart to witness her suffer
ing. | can't find a ready purchase for the
place, and old Reuben is tho only person
who will remain with me, but, you see,
he hides as much rs possible in doors.
Look" he continued, pointing across the
road TO piece of woodland, edo you OBJ
serve yonder fallen tree?"
gazcd in the direction indicated and
saw the trunk of large tree lying prone
Oh the ground. 1t was, in fact, 4 huge
log, from which the bark had long been
peeled. "Wcll," lie continued, 'at rrcg-
ular intervals the appartion appears on
that fallen tree, arrayed in the traditional
white drapery, and it walks up and down,
swaying to and fro, and all tie time way
ing its arms towards the house. y half
hour ago it was visible, but it vanishcs rs
quickly rs it appears. am not dnGer
powerful hallucinaton. am "a rational,
sane man, and what tell you is the earn
est truth"
81 have witnessed some strange affairs
myself" said |, "but let me ask you If
you are positively sure there is no trick
in the thing"
lie gave hollow laugh. Changing in
the house." he said, ''is my repeating rifle.
Men will tell you am the best shot in the
country, and that's saying a good deal.
can kill sparrow, and perhaps butter
1y. You observe that log Is not more
than fifty yards distant, aId yet swear
to you | have repeatedly drawn a dead
aim on the thing as it danced plainly in
sight. have fired, but still it always
stood shaking its arms wildly in the air.
Eve shot dozens Of times at ii but can't
kill it, for il is not human"
"NO one would try the prank for some
motive or othcr:" questioned. "For
instance, suppose they wished to buy the
place cheaply, perhaps this ghost story
might induce you 10 sell at sacrifice"
"Do you think" he returned quickly,