Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1889-02-27

else, so, atter a parting cup, ne leII the
store and started along the road to the
ghostly rendezvous.
Benson was in the habit of being il
that stage of intoxication commonly
called "three Sheets" but this time he
was loaded 10 the thwarts; and several
times the ground flew suddenly up in
his face, and he felt compelled to call
upon himself to "brace 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
well 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
a fence; and behind this fence he took
his station, wondering whether it
would be wiser to go back down the
roa or to make 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 a blow, groan, and then
the old man fell back, senseleSs with
terror. But the falling snow on his
face revived him, and, perfectly sober
now, he pulled his hat down over his
eyes, and, getting in the road, made i
bee line for home.
And how he did runI Away he went
as If whole legion of ghosts were
after him, painting tor breath; slipping
and stumbling at every step, while even
the wind seemed trying with invisible
hands to impede his progress.
In spite of all these real and imagin-
airy obstacles, however, old Benson
managed to get along at a fair rate of
speed, and at last-it seemed an age to
him-he reached the door of his house.
and, dashlng in, fell into chair by the
fire.
For the lands sake, John Benson,
cried his wife. What's the matter with
you? 1 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 soberl
yes, Betsey,' he said huskily, Il am
sober, and. what's more, Pm 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 ghost' she added, for the first
time noticing his white, scared face.
oh, Lordi D-don't say ghosts To
mel That's just what 1 have been
notwithstanding ghostsp
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 ghosts?' he added, solemnly,
when he had finished his narrative.
Yes, John Benson. she answered, 81
do believe they was ghosts, and L be-
lieve you'll see them after this when
ever you get tight, for trying to see
them when you was tight. Yes, John,
they was ghosts
That's what 1 believe, and 1 alters
will believe It. too,' said the old man.
You always Will, if can make you,
thought Betsy.
And I'n never git tight again, old
lady-you see II do
And he never did.
Willis 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.
Did you see the ghosts. Benson?'
asked another.
'Nelghbors, said the old man, i'm
pressively, Il did see the ghosts. don't
expect to be believed, but L do say l
saw them ghosts, as true as Pm q
living man.
There was a short silence. and then
Benson was pressed to narrate his
experience of the night before, and,
needless TO say, he soon complied, first
refusing numerous offers to take some.
thing
Alter he had finished his story, a
young man. friend of Wits, who had
listened quietly but intently to the
story, arose, and, beckoning to couple
of other young men, led the way out
of the store and on up the road to the
haunted tree.
The snow of the night before had
obliterated all traces of what had taken
place there, but in kicking up the
snow they discovered, first a large blue
silk handkerchief marked ar. L.,
beautifully embroidered in one corner.
and later, spot where the earth had
been quite recently disturbed.
a pick and shovel were soon brought
to hand, and shallow excavation
revealed large leathern wallet Then
they proceeded directly to the Eekhart
farm and held a long consultation. will
the result that the sheriff Of the county
was soon slowed away in the house.
Well, in due time the wedding guests
arrived, the ceremony was performed,
and, just as everybody was offering con-
gratulations TO the happy couple before
repairing to the dihing-room, there
came a loud knock at the door, and
Rupert Langdon and a constable en-
tered.
'Ah, he exclaimed with a sneer, a:
he looked around at the assembled com.
pany. 'Ah. Eckhart, Pm sorry tc
disturb you, Pm sure; but business i:
business, you know, and I've called fol
the money you owe me. L suppose
you've got it all ready?'
Yes, Rupert Langdon.' answered
Will, handing him a roll of bills, there
is your money: And, he added In q
louder tone, sheriff, here is your pris'
onerl'
The door of another room opened
and the sheriff entered, accompanied
by the three young men before men.
toned, with two Others, upon whose
wrists glittered the IroD shsckles of the
law, and Rupert Langdon, with the
money In his hand, was arrested fol
highway robbery, and lodged in jai
with his two confederates.
And Joy reigned supreme in VIII
Eckhart's home that night
Forged notes and bogus checks may
be classed as guilt-edged paper.
The dark places OF the earth are full
of the hahItaf1ona of crueltv