Connecticut western news., 1885-08-19


 he thought, had he seen so beautiful, so modest and so lady-like creature; and she, in turn, seemed very favor ably impressed with the manly beauty and frank manners of their military guest.
 At length she retired. The Colonel, who had found listener, was inclin- ed to prolong the session into the small hours of the morning, but find- ing that his guest was much fatigued he felt compelled to ask him if he would not like to retire.
 Major Hill promptly replied in the affirmative, and the old gentleman, taking up silver candlestick, cere- monionsly marshaled his guest to large, old-fashioned room.
 A comfortable bed invited to re- pose; a cheerful fire was blazing on the hearth, and everything was cozy and quiet. The Major looked around him with sigh of satisfaction.
 "I am deeply indebted to you, Col onel," said he, "for affording me such comfortable quarters. I shall sleep like top"
 "I am afraid not" answered the Colonel, with a grave shake of the head. T never knew guest of mine to pass quiet night in this chamber" :"
 "I shall prove an exception" said the Major, smiling. "But must make one remark" he added, seriously. "It is i'll sporting with the feelings of 8 soldier; and should any of your ser wants attempt to play tricks upon me, they shall have occasion to repent it. !"
 And he laid his heavy pistols on the light-stand by his bedside.
 My servants, Major Hill." said the old gentleman, with an air of offended dignity, ''are too well drilled to dare attempt any tricks upon my guests. Good night, Major"
 "Good night, Colonel"
 The door closed. Major Hill locked it.
 Beside the door opening into the entry, there was another leading to some other room. There was no lock upon the second door, but a heavy table placed across completely barri- caded it.
 He threw himself into an armchair before the fire, and amused himself with building castles in the air, and musing on the attractions of the fair Laura. the hosts daughter. He was far enough from thinking of spectral visitants, when a very slight noise struck on his ear. Glancing in the direction of the inner door he thought he saw the heavy table glide back ward from it's place. Quick as thought he caught up pistol and challenged the intruder. There was no reply but the door continued to open and the table to slide back. At last there glided into the room tall, graceful figure robed in white.
 At the first glance the blood curdled in the Majors veins; at the second he recognized the daughter of the host Her eyes were wide open, and she ad- vanced with an assured step; but it was very evident that she was asleep. Here was the mystery of the White Phantom solved at once. The young girl walked to the fireplace and seat ed herself in the armchair from which the soldier had just risen.
 She raised her left hand, and gazing on a beautiful ring that adorned one of her white taper fingers, pressed ii lrepeatedly to her lips. She then sank into an attitude of repose, her arms dropping listlessly by her side
 The Major approached her and stole the ring from her finger. His action disturbed, but did not awaken her. She seemed to miss the ring, however, and after groping hopelessly for it rose and glided through the doorway as silently as she had entered. She had no sooner retired than the Major replaced the table, and drawing g heavy clothes press against 1t, effectu. ally guarded himself against second intrusion. ...... .......
 This done, he threw himself upor the bed, and slept soundly till lat. hour of the morning After perform ing the duties of his toilet, he wa. summoned to breakfast, where he me- the Colonel and his daughter.
 "Well. Major, and how did you pas the nightY' asked the Colonel, anx iously.
 "Famously," replied Hill. q slep like top, as I told you 1 should"
 "Then, thank heaven, the spell i broken at last" said the Colonel; 'ant the White Phantom has vanished"
 By no means" said the Major smiling; "the White Phantom paid m visit last night, and left me tokel of the honor"
 "A tokenp' exclaimed the fathe and daughter in breath.
 "Yes, my friends, and here it is.' And the Major handed the ring to tn old gentleman. f-
 "What's the meaning of this LauraY p exclaimed the Colonel "Thi ring gave you last week"
 Laura uttered faint cry, and turn ed deadly pale.