Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-07-16
HE PHANTOM.

Maj. Merritt Hill, "bold dragon"
In the service of His Majesty George
Ill. found himself, one dark and
clustering night III autumn, riding
toword London on the old York road.
He had supped with friend who lived
at 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. But the
major, though a young man, was an
old campaigner; and with a warm
cloak wrapped about him, and a good
horse under him, would have cared
very little for storm and darkness, and
re felt sure of good bed for himself
and comfortable quarters for his
horse, when he had ridden far enough
for the strength of his faithful ani~
NAL.
A good horseman cares as much for
the comfort of MS steed as for his own
ease. To add to the discomfort of the
evening, there was some chance of
meeting highwaymen; but Mai. Hill
felt no uneasiness on that score, as,
just before leaving his friends house,
he had examined his holster pistols.
and freshly prilned them. a brush
with a highwayman would enhance
the romance of a night journey.
So he logged along; but mile after
mile was passed, and no twinkling
light in the distance gave notice of
the appearances of the wished-for inn.
The maj9r's horse began to give I'M
mistakable evidence of distress 8.
Stumbling once or twice, and recover
ing himself with difficulty. At last,
dim light suddenly appeared at a
turn of the road.
The horse pricked up his ears, trot-
ted forward with spirit, soon hating
beside one-story cottage.
The major was disappointed, but he
rode up to the door and raped loudly
with the but of his riding~whlp. The
summons brought sleepy cottager to
the door.
my good friend" said the ma ior,
''can you tell me how far it is to the
next inns"
''Eh it be about zeven miles, EUR"
was the answer, in the broad York
S0l16 dialect OF Inc district.
"Seven miles!" exclaimed the ma
or, IN tone of deep disappointment;
and my horse is already blown Ny
good fellow, can't you put my horse
somewhere, and give me bed? / will
pay you literally for your trouble"
Eth goodness zakes !" said the rus
tic. Il be nought but a ditcher.
There be noa plaz; to put the nag in,
and there be only one room and one
bed in the cot"
What shall [ dor cried the major,
at his wits end.
''I'll tell zee, zur," SAID the rustic.
scratching his head violently, as if to
extract his ideas by the roots. There
be voine large house on the road,
about MOLE yurther on. It's noa an
inn, but the colonel ices company vor
the vun o the thing-'caUse he loikes
to zee company about 'un. You mast
heard ov hlm-Col. Lawrence-as
used to be soger once.
Say no more" cried the major.
L have heard OF this hospitable gen.
tleman, and his having been in the
army gives me sure claim to his at
tention Here's a crown for your IN
formation, my friend. Come, Princes"
Touching his steed with the spur.
the major rode off, feeling an exhil-
aration of spirits which soon COM
mUnicated itself 10 the horse. A sharp
trot of few minutes brought him to
large mansion, which stood unfenc-
ed, like a huge caravanSary, by the
roadside. He made for the front
door, end without dismounting, piled
the large brass knocker till servant
In livery made his appearance.
''Js your master up?' asked the ma
jor.
L am the occupant of this house."
said venerable gentleman, making
his appearance at the hall door.
L am a benighted traveller, sir.
said the major, touching his hat,
land come to claim your well>known
hospitality. Can you give me bed
for the night? [ am afraid my four
footed companion is hardly able to
carry me to the next nm"
I cannot promise you bed, sir, .
said the host, for [ have but one
spare bed III the house.
And that" said the major.
Happens to be In a room that does
not enjoy very pleasing reputation.
In short, sir, one room in my house
is haunted, ard that is the only one,
unfortunately, that / can't place at
your disposal to night"
"My dear SIR" said the major,
springing from his horse and tossing
the birdie to the servant, you enchant
me beyond expression! A haunted
chamber! The very thing and l,
who have never seen a ghost! What
luck -
The colonel shook his head gravely.
'Inever knew a man," he said, ito
pass a mig bit in that chamber without
regretting it."