The national leader., 1889-02-23

y
agoin' to insinerate as Pm afraid to go,
I'll co.
All right was the reply. You start
from here at IL O'Clock, and I'll put
up the rye. You take this pencil and
make cross on the tree, and in the
morning we'll GO out there. and if we
find your mark there you shall have the
stuff
The let was made, and Benson was
the hero OF the hOur-and he made the
most of the situation.
Now, when Benson made the wager,
he had not the slightest idea of going
anywhere near the tree. Like many
more of the old inhabitants OF the
Corners, be believed good deal more
In the ghosts of the haunted tree than
he was willing to own, and. like his
neighbors, would go mile out of his
way any time rather than pass there at
night.
But by the time the clock pointed to
eleven, the old mans mug had been
filed and emptied so many times that
he was ready to face ghosts or anything
else; 80, after parting cup. he left the
store and started along the road to the
ghostly rendezvous.
Benson was in the habit of being in
that stage of lntoxication commonly
called ''three Sheets" but this time he
was loaded TO the thwarts; and several
times the ground flew suddenly up in
his face, and he felt compelled to call
upon himself to ''Drace up" 'toe the
mark" etc., so that he was nearly an
hour staggering to his destination.
When he came in sight'Of the tree he
didn't feel nearly SO brave as before,
and, taking out his handkerchief, held
1t to his eyes until he was sure he was
we'll past the fatal spot.
When at last he ventured to look
around, he found himself about fifty
feet away from the tree, near the end of
fence; and behind this fence he took
his station, wondering whether it
would be wiser to go back down the
roa1 or to make a detour past the tree.
While he was thinking the matter
over he raised his eyes, and there he
saw white Object-white even through
the fast falling snow-gliding silently
past.
He groaned and tried to shut his
eyes, but they would stay open and
remain rivited upon the white object in
the road. In a minute more it was
opposite the tree, and, just as Benson
expected, two white forms glided out;
there was blow, a groan, and then
the old man fell back, senseless with
terror. But the falling snow on his
lace revived him, and. perfectly sober
now, be pulled his hat down over bis
eyes, and, getting in the road, male II
bee line for home.
And how he did run! Away lie went
as if whole legion of ghosts were
after him, painting tor breath; slipping
aud stumbling at every step, while even
tle wind seemed trying with invisible
hands to impede his progress.
In spite of all these real and imagin-
ary obstacles, however, old Benson
managed to get along at fair rate of
speed, and at last-it seemed an age to
him-he reached the door of his house,
and, dash1ng in, fell into chair by the
fire.
For the lands sake, John Benson
cried his wife. What's the matter with
you? | do believe,' she added, as she
watched the old man walk across the
room to hang up his coat and hat, Il
do believe he's so5erl
YES, Betsey, he said huskily, Il am
sober. and. what's more, I'm going to
stay sober for the rest of my nat'ral
life.'
'I've heard that before. John Ben
son. replied his wife, shaking her head.
why, man, you look as if you had
seen a ghostP she added. for the first
time noticing his white, scared face.
oh, Lordl D-don't say ghosts to
mel That's just what L have been
a-doing-a-seeing ghosts'
Betsy, whose womanly curiosity was
now fully aroused, soon had the old
mans story, with such embellishments
as his heated imagination suggested.
Now, Betsy, don't you think that
them was ghosts2' he added, solemnly,
when he had finished his narrative.
Yes, John Benson. she answered, Il
do believe they was ghosts, and l be-
lieve YOU II see them after this when
ever you get tight, for trying to see
item when you was tight. Yes, John,
they was ghosts
That's what I believe, and alters
will believe 1t. too,' said the old man.
You always will, if can make you,'
thought Betsy.
And IN never git tight again, old
lady-you see If do
And he never did.
Wills wedding morning dawned
bright and clear at the Corners. Down
at the store excited groups were dis
cussing the robbery Of the night before,
which by this time had become widely
circulated.
Presently old Benson came in and
joined the group. He was sober and
tidily dressed, and his appearance was
the occasion of much surprise. Then
one said jokingly:
Here's the old man come to claim
his bet.'
A roar of laughter greeted this re-
mark.
sDid you see the ghosts. Benson2'
asked another.
'Nelghbors,' said the old man, i'm
pressively, Il did see the ghosts. l don't
expect to be believed, but do say l
saw them ghosts, as true as I'm a
living man.
There was q short silence. and then
Benson was pressed to narrate his