Los Angeles daily herald., 1889-06-23
THIEVES, NOT GHOSTS.
Another Haunted House y
Mystery Exploded.
WHAT DAME RUMOR SAID.
The Usual Rappings, Shrieks and a
Woman in White-The
Investigation.
WHAT DAME

There are comparatively few people
who at this advanced intellectual age be-
lieve in spirits, and the only ghost that
is believed to walk is that which cheers
the hearts of employees on psy-days.
Yet, however, there will occasionally
crop up some little incident that is
pointed to as proof positive of their creed
by the superstitious, and in this line one
of the most popular forms is haunted
house. Such weird abodes have been
heard of from time to time in this city,
but on investigation have proved
to be broken water pipes
and the mysterious, unearthly sounds,
the outcome Of the wind playing about o
loose board. The latest addition to the
spook-haunted habitations is said to be
Judge Ross handsome place, on the
northwest corner of Spring and Eighth
streets.
The building is we'll known to old.
timers. 1t was erected about fifteen
years ago, as part of the Taney estate,
and after time it was transferred to Mr..
Button. 1t then passed through the
hands of many owners, until three years
ago it became the properly of Judge Ross
for the snug little sum of $4,000. The
learned occupant of the bench re-
mained in it about a year, when
he moved out of town, and the
domicile was rented unfinished to Mr..
Lewis, the boot and shoe man, for $3.50
month. The lessee also staid there about
twelve months, leaving it in the latter
part of last year, and since then it has
stood unoccupied, with shutters up and
doors barred. The only living thing that
is supposed to have anything to do with
it is colored man, who every afternoon
trims and waters the lawn.
THE STORIES THAT WENT ABOUT.
Strange stories as to why the house is
untenanted have found their way about
the streets during the past few days.
Rumor affirmed that it was haunted
that, nightly, strange sounds, follow ed
by the appearance of a ghastly apparition,
we're heard, and it was stated that a re-
ward of 800 was open to any one who
would remain alone in the place all
night.
Hearing all these yarns a HERALD
man went forth to investigate, but first
searched for the individual who offered
the reward. Strange to say, though
number of people had heard of it no one
knew the source of the proffer, and after
visiting without success dozen or so
real estate offices, the penciller abandoned
the search in disgust. He next pro-
ceeded to the house itself and found it
to be hanesome white building, faced
by a well kept lawn, and surrounded
by a luxurious growth of vegetation.
1t was of no use to go inside
the premises, and the truth-seeker called
at all of the surrounding habitations.
All of them but one had never heard OF
the accusations against the house, and
the individual who seemed to be better
informed upon the subject than the rest
of the dwellers about, said that the only
trouble about the place was that it, in its
unoccupied condition. afforded a good
Judgement at night for thieves
and vagsbonds. These birds of
prey had on one occasion carried
away lawn mower that had been mad.
vertently left exposed, and any strange
sounds that may have been heard
doubtless proceeded from them.
And thus the promised sensation ex-
ploded, and the disgusted reporter
wended his way back to his stamping
ground.