The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1889-04-24
THE HAUNTED MANSION.
Why / Am as skeptical Concern.
ing Ghosts as Ever.

In the fall OF 1852 (says an acquaint-
ance TO whom we are indebted for the
present singular story | was spending
few weeks in the City of New Orleans.
One evening, while in company with
some friends-ladies and gentlemen
the conversation turned upon ghosts,
hobgoblins, evil spirits, haunted
houses, and the like; and being great
skeptic in all such matters, | freely ex-
pressed myself to that effect, saying
that believed all ghosts to be mere
fancies of timid Missionaries, and the
nocturnal disturbers of haunted houses
to exist only in the fevered imagina-
tons of ignorant, credulous fools.
There were none present who had
actually seen a ghost themselves,
though number of them had seen
number of persons who had; and as
for haunted houses, no one was pre-
pared to speak from actual experience,
though few of such reputed places
we're known to the excited believers.
Well" said l, rather boastfully,
III there is such a thing as a haunted
house in the universe-haunted by
spirit-devils and not man-devils-I
should like nothing better than to pass
might in one."
Would you dare to do it?" inquired
avery pretty young lady, fixing her
large, black eyes upon me, with an ex
preston that | thought implied some
doubt of my courage.
Try me and see!' / replied, with d
dignified bow.
4 Good faith, then, we will!' rejoined
an excited gentleman, as he seized me
by the button. There is q splendid
mansion, some two or three miles
above the city, which is fast going to
. decay, in the midst of Il beautiful
orange grove, because no one cares to
live in it! Come! to put your boast
ing to the test, | will wager you
champagne supper that you dare not
pass the night there, alone, from sun
to SUM-"
u take the bet!' returned I, prompt
E--for the least hesitation then would
have brought upon me u storm of
fdlcule. Now, what night shall we
name for the venture, and how shall
lobtain entrance into the buildingpn
u will let you choose your own
night answered the other; land as
The doors of the mansion are always
unlocked, and frequently standing
open you can enter any time, without
let or hindrance.
III not too soon for your purpose,
Will name tomorrow night for the
great trial of my nerves by super
natural agency. But | give fair warn
Jug to all whom it may concern" l
ADDED, slightly COMPRISING my lips,
aad speaking in that tone of stern de-
summation which always shows the
Individual to be in serious earnest,
that | shall go we'll armed, and be
llkely to try the effect OF few leaden
oaiis upon whatever object, either of
mis- world or the other, shall venture
70 disturb my peaceful tranquility"
And if you do shoot ghost"
laughed one of the most skeptical of
we ladies, pray bring it off, and have
Astuffed for future exhibition
by my faith, l believe such things
are all stuff" l rejoined, in merry
mood.
Well, matters being all settled for
'he subsequent trying of my nerves
and the shaking of my skepticism, 1
@ok leave of the company at a sea-
sonable hour, repaired to my hotel,
ana slept soundly till morning.
The next day provided myself with
swo brace of pistols, a couple of
sheath-knives, a bottle of brandy and
d basket OF provisions; and in the aft
ernoon, accompanied by the gentle
man with whom / had laid the WAGER
and two others, | rode out to the haunt
ed mansion to make Reconnaissance
In force. When it was first pointed
out to me, looming up grandly beauti-
tal from amid a delightful orange
Z grove, believed my companions were
testing, not thinking it possible that so
iosely place had been abandoned for
saat appeared to me so trifing cause
ssuperstitious spirit-deviltries. Rid
as past it some little distance, we left
We carriage, entered the grounds on
@h and approached the building
soush an avenue OF trees There
san air of desertion and desolation
s@at the premises that | confess sent
ealll through me at the very first.
= suald there possibly be any truth in
s strange report concerning its un-
a'afai tenants? Pshaw! what nom
1se' The structure itself was large.
ss, ny and grand, with marble steps,
s,os sa columns, tesselated floors and
ana stairs The doors were open.
te De- .as whole house empty, dusty and
y gIoonv vs 81. 1T abode for painful aud