The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1889-01-26
Tho spook Of Diamond Island.
I r.nnls Globe Democrat.

It. Louis Globe Democrat.
For some time past rumors nave
oeen circulated in Hardin to ene
effect that Diamond island, In the
liver, about two miles from this
place, was the home of e ghost. The
stories concerning the movements OF
the alleged spook were, of course,
not given any credence at first, but
later, when several reputable citizens
of Hardin announced that they had
positively seen an uneanny-looking
object moving about on the island
at night the rumors were more seri-
ously considered. Now, after inves-
tigation, the mysterious something
is longer considered a myth.
Along toward midnight peculiar
light is seen at the foot of the island.
Ithas the appearance of u hugh ball
of fire, and is about the size and
shape of an ordinary barrel.
A few nights ago party Of young
men from this place determined to
visit the island and fathom the mys-
terry if possible. Equipped with
revolvers. knives, shotguns, and
clubs the party secured a boat
and were soon cutting through the
water at q good speed for a point
on the island near where the specter
usually made it's appearance. Ar
irving at the landing-place, the skiff
was hauled up on the shore and the
young men took up position in
clump of trees close at hand to watch
and wait.
Suddenly the whole point of the
island was illumined as a bright red
object rose apparently from the
water and glided up into the air.
Ascending probably to height of
forty yards, the watchers saw the
lurid ball fade away.
The investigating party had seen
all they wanted. They made mad
rush for the boat, but just as they
reached the place where it had been
left they were Mortified to SEQ the
little craft moving out on the water
from the island. At first it's only
occupant seemed to be the red ball of
fire. but the next moment the watch
ers saw the crimson object gradually
take the form of q man, and they
saw him too, dip the oars at regular
intervals and pull q long, steady
stroke. The mans features were
fully concealed by wide-rimmed
SLOUGH hat, which was drawn over
his face. A peculiar light illumined
the boat and the waters around it,
making the craft and it's mysterious
occupant perfectly discernible to the
party on the shore, who stood para
lyzed with fear, unable to speak or
move, their eyes riveted by some
mysterious influence they could not
resist on the spectral object before
them.
The boat was now about in mid
stream, and suddenly the group of
watchers saw the skiff's occupant
change again into the crimson ball.
Then it slowly began to move up
ward, and when it was about parallel
with the tops of the trees on the
island it disappeared. Next instant
the watchers looking across the
river saw nothing but the Pickering
lights in Hardin.
The cries of the crowd on the island
awakened a sleeping fisherman on
the opposite side of the river, and he
kindly pulled across and rescued the
phoSt-snekinp yOuthS.
The fiery spook, it is said, still
makes it's nightly trips to Diamond
island, but no more investigating
parties have ventured across to solve
the mystery.
1t is said that some years ago a
foul murder was committed on this
island, and by the superstitious the
crimson object is believed to be the
restless spirit of the slain man.