Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1889-08-29

being perfectly senseless, arguing that a.
he hall was empty and the keys in the
han is of the trustees they could not gain
admission. The majority however,
proposed that they present themselves at
the gates, at least, according 70 the COM
apot.
Finally this was decided upon, each,
however, hopeful that this would termI-
nate what was becoming a dreadful ter
ror to them. Captain ack was not dead
but had managed TO save his life by pre-
tending 10 conform TO the religion and
custom of his captors, hoping some day
for an opportunity TO escape. This OPP
portunity neSs- csrne, and his fate would
probably have been forever shrouded in
a mystery had not Wymark been borne to
the same stronghold. This stronghold
Was Immediately stormed by the British,
and the captives restored to liberty. Our
two soldiers now made direct for Eng
land, and it was only by the most deter
mined efforts that they arrived in the hall
in time for the annual feast. 1t was Just
IL O'Clock of Christmas eve.
Just in time" said wymark, "and the
old place is filled with light. What a con
stitution your father has. Why, he is
near upon 93 years of age, aud last
Christmas looked "a we'll as ever"
"Dear bid chap murmured Captain
Jack; bat how syr0Dg everything seems
there is not footmark in the sno v, and
the gates look as if they had not been
opened Tor days and days"
A he spoke spectral figure Issued
from the lodge, and the gates swung
open.
Il was the ghost of the keeper, and as
he beckoned TO the men ne regarded them
with burning eyes.
"Ah, good silas," began the captain, but
paused On feeling the frightened grip of
Wymark on his arm.
Hist, Jack. lis spirit. God forbid
that we have come too late"
My fatherl' mosned the captain.
They pushed past the spectral gate
keeper, and entered the hail, the doors Of
which we're opened with invisible hands.
Up to the bauqueting chamber, the
table Of which was spread for the feast,
though Lot sound could be heard of any
living thing.
"a dread revelation to night" gaspt
Captain Jack. 81 wonder how many of
the 10 still liveYf
ave shall soon know was the reply of
Wymark, "for it is nearly 1l:30"
The soldiers seated themselves in the
same chairs as they did II years before
aud waited. Meanwhile the other liviI z
members of the com pact made their W. y
to the ga 'es, hoping to have to turn back
again, but to their horror the iron door
swung open, and they we're again com
ft.r I'd D.
power. Upon entering the banquet
chamber they recOiled at the sight of
Captain Jack; then explanations fol
lowed and the nine men seated them
selves round the table.
-Four OF ns gOne.n said Wymark. "Why
all were here last yearl My friends, my
oath may have been an unholy one, but
We were forced TO keep 1t. May q ID for
give u, and see us safely through
81 want bat one glance at my poor old
father" said Captain Jack, but can it be
pcsslble-r
He stopped, for the hour o. ~ had be
gun to strike, and nine men ggzsd vita
expectant horror at one another, for the
sounds of rushing garments were heard
about them, though none but themselves
were to be seen.
LAS the lest stroke fingered in the air,
the whole of the onairs we're occupied by
thirteen men, fOur Of whom were spec
tres.
My friends" the old squire said, in
hi7 wellrememb9red tones, I'VE meet &C
cording to our compact, but it has been
the fates OF some of Us TO be called 20
the spirit land. We are here tonight and
greet you one and all; aud may the
smile OF heaven fall ON enc rest upon my
son, Captain j Ace
sob, my falhery' sobbed the soldier,
springing forward to embrace the phan-
tom; but a. he did 40 the room was pluug
I'd IN darkness, and the niue men had
died tOg ether in fear. s ion they found
that the feast had gone-the snowy cloth
ard the wermth-aud, buttoning their
coats, they hurried away.
The hall door was closed and fastened,
and they had to force window. The
outer doors were locked and the lodge
was empty.
Soon the Christmas bells we're pealipg
The compact fulfilled, no more was the
chamber invaded by phan-
toms at the Christmas feast.