Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-04-22

carly rising duu LILO uutAptCGtU ucctllS VI
Captain on the porch.
81 don't quite comprehend your good
luck with the dog" he remarked, "but 1
would advise you in future to keep within
doors until you have seen me about"
'If you have no objection" replied, II
would very much like to feed the dog once
only once. will be very careful, but
really will consider it favor if you will
consent to my request.
"All right he returned" You know what
I have said about his terrible nature; there
fore be on your guard.''
That day I carried Captain his dinner and
he devoured it while 1 stood by his side.-
From thenceforth had not a misgiving as
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
1 became much attached to 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 ap-
pearance to be affectionately 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-
pectedly and l thought detected traces of
tears in her eyes, while her manner evident
ly betrayed fear. Still her husband was SO
kind all the while that I could not avoid
pondering on the matter. never intruded
my presence upon them if could avoid it,
but it sometimes would occur in spite of
me.
One afternoon / came into the room ab-
ruptly and found Mr.. Shelly tanning his
wife and caught remark he uttered with
strong emphasis. "We must sell this place. !"
he said, 'for it appears impossible for you
to Lave days happiness here, and would
sooner sacrifice it than see you die slowly
before my eyes. Oh, tits too hardH' and he
kissed her brow.
Turning about, he saw me and knew I
had heard his expression.
II think will lie down." said Mrs. Shell
ly, and as she passed me noticed her face
was as pale as the dead.
When she had gone up stairs Mr. Shelly
turned to me and said: 81 suppose you per-
ceive there is something amiss here. You
see no hands about the place and general
state of idleness reigns supreme. Of course
there is reason for it and I am going to
tell you what it means. The only thing
am afraid of is that you may consider me a
madman or fool, out Iswear to you what
am about to relate is as true as holy writ. 1
am an honest man, sir, and truthful one,
consequently do not lie when I say we
have an-apparition-ins short, ghost here.
1 pray you do not hastily imagine that am
a weak and superstitious man; you shall be
convinced, for you may see the whole mat
ter with your own eyes, then judge for your
self. My wife's health has been failing ever
since this thing came about and it breaks
my heart to witness her suffering. can't
find a ready purchaser for the place and old
Reuben is the only person who will remain
with me, but you see, he hides as much as
possible in doors. Look" he continued,
pointing across the road to piece of wood
land, ''do you observe yonder fallen tree ?"
I gazed in the direction indicated and saw
the trunk of large tree lying prone on the
ground. 1t was, in fact, huge log, from
which the bark had long been peeled =
"Well," he continued, at irregular intervals
the apparition appears on that fallen tree,
arrayed in the traditional white drapery
and it walks up and down, swaying to and
fro and all the time waving its arms towards
the house. A half hour ago it was visible,
but i4 vanishes as quickly as it appears. 1
am not under any powerful hallucination.
I am rational same man, and what 1 tell
you is the earnest truth"
81 have witnessed some strange affairs
myself" rejoined, 'but let me ask you if
you are positively sure there is no trick in
the thing?"
He gave hollow laugh. changing in
the house." he said, sis my repeating rifle.
Men will tell you that am the best shot in
the country and that's saying good deal.
1 can kill sparrow and perhaps butter
fly. You observe that log is not more than
fifty yards distant, and yet swear to you I
have repeatedly drawn dead aim on the
thing as it danced plainly in sight. have
fired, but still it always stood shaking it's
arms wildly in the air. I've shot dozens of
times at it but I can't kill it, for it is not
human"
'No one would try the prank for some
motive Or other?" questioned "For in
stance, suppose they wished to buy the place
cheaply, perhaps this ghost story might in
duce you to sell at sacrifice"
"Do you think" he returned quickly,
'that anyone who knows Abel Shelly would
care to assume such desperate chances be-
fore his rifle. Oh, no; there is nobody who
would take that risk. Besides, should
have killed it long ago if there was any
thing to kill. 1t always comes in the after
noon," continued Shelly, "but never at
night. You perceive it reverses the accept
ed time of nocturnal visitation
II do not consider myself more courage
GUS than men generally" | replied, ''but I
would be glad if you would notify me if this
object appears again during my stay. Per
haps l may be able to investigate more
satisfactorily than you have done.
every WELL" he replied, 81 will do.so.'
! had sweet sleep that night and no