Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1885-08-21

Alajor Hill promptly replied in the
affirmative. and the old gentleman,
taking upa silver candlestick. cere-
moniously marshaled his guest to a
large, old-fashionel room.
A comfortable bed invited to re-
pose; cheerful fire was blazing on
the hearth, and everything was coy
and quiet. The Major looked around
MN with a sigh of satisfaction.
q am deeply indebted to you, Col
onel, said he, "for afrording me such
comfortable quarters. / shall sleep
like top"
Il am afraid not" answered the
Colonel, with a grave shake Of the
head. Il never knew a guest OF mine
to pass quiet night III this chamber"
81 shall prove an exception said
the Major, smiling. But | must make
one remark" he added, seriously. at
is Ill sporting with the feelings of a
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 Iill," 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 lockcd
it.
Beside tho 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.
lie threw himself into an armchair
before the fire, and amused himself
With building castles in the air. and
: ss5,ssing on the attractions of the fair
fr enough from thinking Of spectral
'sitants, when very slight noise
sruck on his ear Glancing in the
erection of the inner door he thought
saw the heavy table glide back
ard from its place Quick as thought
c caught up pistol and challenged
he intruder. There was no reply
ut the door continued to open and
le table to slide back At last there
lided into the room a tall, graceful
CURE robed in white.
At the first glance the blood curdled
the Majors veins; at the second he
ecognized the daughter of the host.
Ter eyes were wide open, and she al
anced with an assured step; but it
vas very evident that she was asleep.
Here was the mystery Of the White
ihantom solved at once. The young
girl walked to the fireplace and seat
d herself in the armchair from which
he soldier had just risen.
She raised her left hand, and gazing
IN beautiful ring that adorned one
u her white taper fingers, pressed it
repeatedly to her lips. She then sank
INTO an attitude of reposc, her arms
dropping listlessly by her side.
The Major approached her and stole
The ring from her finger, Ills action
disturbed, but did not awaken her.
She seemed to miss the ring, however,
ana after cropping 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
neaYy clothes press against it, effectu-
ally guarded himself against a second
intrusion.
This done, he threw himself upon
lhe bed, and slept soundly till late
houF OF the morning. After perform
ing the duties of his toilet, he was
summoned to breakfast, where he met
tne Colonel and his daughter.
well Major, and how did you pass
the nlght?' asked the Colonel, anx-
iously.
"famously," replied Hill. Al slept
IKE top, as told you ! should"
Then thank heaven, the spell is
broken at last" said the Colonel; "and
'ne White Phantom has vanished"
"By no MEANS" said the Major.
"the White Phantom paid me
a visit las. night, and left me a token
of the honor"
a token" exclaimed the father
and daughter in breath.
Yes, my friends, and here it ia
ana the Major handed the ring to the
old gentleman.
w hats the meaning Of this.
LAURA exclaimed the Colonel. This
'ihg gave you last week"
Laura uttered faint cry, and turn
ed deadly pale.
ine mystery is easily explained"
s, oSiu 'ne major THE young lady is a
r.sl walker She came into my room
ueiore had retired, utterly uneon-
. S0'ooa oi her actions. / took the ring
from her hand, that / might be able to
you and her of the reality or
"hat had witnessed"
ne majors business was not pre.s