Connecticut western news., 1885-08-19
THE WHITE PHANTOM.

1A4 w A41A \ AAN \ OAEAs Major Merritt Hill, a "bold dragoon" in the service of his Majesty George III, found himself. one dark and blus- tering night in autumn, riding toward London on the old York road. He had suppod with a friend who lived at a village some distance off the road, and he was unfamiliar with the coun- try.
 Though not raining, the air was damp, and the heavy, surcharged clouds threatened every moment to pour down their contents. A good horseman cares as much for the com fort of his steed as for his own ease. 10 add to the discomfort of the even ing. there was some chance of meet ing highwaymen; but Major Hill felt no uneasiness on that score, as, just before leaving his friends house. he had examined his holster pistols, and freshly primed them. A brush with a highwayman would enhance the romance of night journey.
 The Majors horse began to give un mistakable evidence of distress, stumb. ling once or twice. and recovering himself with difficulty. At last dim light suddenly appeared at turn of the road. The horse pricked up his ears, trotted forward with spirit, soon halted beside one-story cottage. The Major rode up to the door and rapped loudly with the butt of his whip. The summons brought sleepy cotter to the door.
 .My good friend" said the Major, scan you tell me how far it is to the next inn?"
 "Eh2 It be about zeven mile, zur," was the answer, in the broad York shire dialect of the district.
 'Seven milesp' exclaimed the Major, in tone of deep disappointment; "and my horse is already blownl My good fellow, can't you put him somewhere, and give me bed? I will pay you liberally for your trouble"
 "Ehl goodness sakesr' said the rus tic. "I be nought but 8 ditcher. There be noa blaze to put the nag in, and there be only one room and one bed in the col"
 @What shall I doP" cried the Major, at his wits end.
 'Pn tall 'ee, zur," said the rustic. "There be voine large house on the road, about a moile vurther on. It's noa an inn, but the Colonel gees con- pany yor the vun O the thing-'cause he loikes to zee company about 'un. You must a heard ov him-Colonel Lawrence-as used to be soger once.
 Say no more" cried the Major. '.I have heard of this hospitable gentle. man, and his having been in the army gives me sure claim to his attention. Here's crown for your information, my good friend"
 The Major rode of, feeling an exhil- aration of spirits which soon commu- nicated itself to the horse. A sharp trot of few minutes brought him to a large mansion, which stood by the roadside. Without dismounting he piled the large brass knocker till a servant in livery made his appearance
 "Is your master upP" asked the Major.
 T am the occupant of this house, said venerable gentleman, making his appearance at the hall door.
 .I am a benighted traveller, sir, said the Major, touching his hat, '+ant come to claim your wellknown hospi tality. Can you give me bed fol the nightY'
 q cannot promise you bed, sir, said the host, "for have but on, spare bed in the house, and that hap pens to be in room that does no enjoy very pleasing reputation. Il short, sir, one room of my house 1 haunted, and that is the only one, un fortunately, that I can place at you disposal tonight"
 My dear sir" said the Major springing from his horse and tossing the bridle to the servant, you en chant me beyond expressionl { haunted chamberl The very thing and l, who have never seen ghost What luckl''
 The Colonel shook his head gravely
 I never knew man," he said, 't pass a night in that chamber withou regretting it."
 Major Hill laughed as he took hi pistols from the holster pipes. "Wit these friends of mine," he said, " fear neither ghost nor demon"
 Colonel Lawrence showed his gues into a comfortable parlor, where ssa-coal fire was burning cheerfully i grate, and refreshments most we come to weary traveller stood upon table
 The Majors attention was draw toward a charming girl of twsaty, th