Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1885-09-17
The Sturp Teller.
THE WHITE PHANTOM.

Major Merritt Hill, "bold dragon" IN
the service of his majesty George LII, 1ouno
himself one dark and clustering night IN
autumn riding toward London on the old
York road. He had supped with 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 TOR the COM
fort of his steed as for his own ease: 10
add to the discomfort of the evening, there
was some chance of meeting highWaymen; =;
but Major Hill felt no uneasiness on that
score. as. lust before leaving his frlend's
house he had examined his holster pistols,
and freshly primed them. A brush with
highwaymen would enhance the romance
of night journey.
The Majors horse began to give unmls-
taxable evidence of distress, stumbling once
or twice, and recovering himself with dl1-
ficulty. At last dim light suddenly ap-
peared at turn of the road. The horse
pricked up his ears trotted forward with
spirit, soon halted beside one-story cot,
tage. The Major rode up to the door and
raped loudly with the but of his whip.
The summons brought sleepy cotter to
the door.
'My good friend," said the Major, "can
you tell me how far it is to the next Inn =
"Eh? 1t be about zeven miles, zur,". was
the answer, in the broad Yorkshire dialect
of the district.
"Seven miles!" exclaimed the major, in
q tone of deep disappointment; and my
horse is already blown! My good fellow,
can't YOU put him somewhere and give
me bed? I will pay you literally for
your trouble"
"Eh! goodness sakes !" said the rustic.
81 be nought but a ditcher. There be noa
place to put the nag in, and there be only
one room and one bed in the COT"
"What shall 1 do?" cried the Major, at
his wits end. :.
"There's a voine large house on the road,
about mOile vurther on. It's noa an inn,
but the colonel sees company for the fun O.
the thing-'cause he loikes to zee company
about 'un. You must have heard oV him
Colonel Lawrence-as used to be a soger
once" ,r
"Sav no MORE" cried the Major. II
have heard of this hospitable gentleman,
and having been in the army gives me
sure claim to his attention. Heres
crown for your information, my good
friend"
The Major rode off, feeling an eXhilara-
ton of spirits which soon communicated IT.
self to the horse. A sharp trot of few
minutes brought him to large mansion,
which stood by the roadside. Without dis
mounting he piled the large brass knocker
till a servant made his appearance.
as your master up?" asked the Major.
II am the occupant Of this honse," sald
venerable gentleman, making his appear
,noo a tho bol1 door
81 am benighted traveller, Sir" said the
Major, touching his hat, "and come to claim
YOUR well-known hospitality. Can you
give me bed for the night?" -,
81 cannot promise you a bed, sir" said
the host, ''for I have but one spare bed in
the house, and that happens to be in room
that does not enjoy a very pleasing reputa
ton. In short, sir, one room OF my mousse
is haunted, and that is the only one, un-
fortunately, that can place at your dispos-
al tonight"
"My dear SIR" said the Major, spriging
from his horse and tossing the bride to the
servant, "you enchant me beyond express
sion! A haunted chamber! The very
thing-and I, who have never seen ghost
What luck"
The Colonel shook his head gravely.
81 never knew a man." ne sald, TO pass
night in that chamber without regrettlng
it,"
Major Hill laughed as he took his pistols
from his holster pipes. "With these friends
of mine" he said, 81 fear neither ghost nor
Demon"
Colonel Lawrence showed his guest into
a comfortable parlor, where sea-coal tire
was burning cheerfully in CRATE, and re-
freshments most welcome to weary travel
er stood upon table.
The Majors attention was drawn toward
charming girl of twenty, the daughter OF
The Colonel, who graced the table with her
presence. Never, he thought, had he seen
so beautiful, so modest and so lady-like a
creature: and she, in turn, seemed very
fayorably impressed with the manly beauty
and frank manners of their military guest.
At length she retired. The Colonel, who
had found a listener, was inclined to pro-
long the session into the small! hours or the
morning, but finding 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 atfir-
native, and the old gentleman, taking up
silver candestick, tremendously marshall
ed his guest to large, old-fashiOned room.
A comfortable bed invited to repose;
a cheerful fire was blazing on the hearth,
and everything was cozy and quiet: The
Major looked around with sigh OF salts
II am deeply indebted to you, Colonel"
said he, 'for afording me such comlorta-
BILE quarters. l shall sleep ike toP:
~ am afraid not" answered the Colonel,
with grave shake of the head. 81 never
knew a guest of mine to pass quiet night
in this chamber"
81 shall prove an exception,", said the
Major smiling. "But must make one re-
mark" he added, seriously. "Itis llsport,,
ing with the feelings of soldier; ana
should any of your servants attempt TO
play tricks upon me, they shall have occa-
sion 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,