The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-09-19

started on at DISK pace, anu III leSS
than four minutes came to house
which stood among the trees, three rods
from the road. AS l saw light in one
of the windows thought it could not
be the house l wanted, and walked 10
the adjoining dwelling, few hundred
feet further on, which was perfectly
dark. There was nothing suspicious
looking about the place, and at once
went to the back door and insert
ed the key, which did not appear to fit
very we'll. While l was at work with
the key in one hand and the knob in
the other an upper window, Immediate
ly over my head, was opened and a
white figure appeared. I stepped back,
and drawing revolver, said: You
needn't play ghost with me. Come
down here or I'll fire."
The answer was scream, unearthly,
but not ghostly, sounding very much as
if it came from the throat of mortal
woman. The scream was followed by
the opening of two other windows, and
two more white figures appeared. l
thought it was very good night for
ghosts; when it occurred to me that l
might have made mistake, particu-
larly when one of the figures leveled a
gun over the window-sill and asked:
what do you want?"
isn't this Mr.. Pinkney's house?" 1
said.
No, it is not" answered the holder
of the gun.
''Then have made mistake" l sug-
gested.
Il think you have" said the third
figure, with male ice.
Can you direct me to Mr.. Pinkney's
house?" l asked.
ut is these to your right" said the
one with the gun.
Il thought his house was vacant, and
Isaw light there as passed." was my
answer.
you will find plenty of things there
besides lights" replied the same voice.
Are there ghosts there?" 1 asked.
go there and you will find out" said
the female voice.
Are you thinking of buying?" asked
the one with the gun.
EYES," l said.
You are welcome to it, for l wouldn't
stay in the house an hour for it," was
the answer, and down went the win
dows.
started toward the haunted house.
The light worried me, for 1 had surely
seen one. But what do ghosts want
with lights? l asked myself and con-
cluded | must have made a mistake.
Before entering | took the precaution 10
walk entirely around the house, but
could see no light or any thing else sus-
picious. The key fitted the lock and
stepped into the hall and listened. Not
sound was heard or the sign of ghost
to be seen. l lighted candle and
looked about. A feeling of loneliness
came over me and l wished for COM
pany. There seemed to be great many
dark corners, and as | turned my eyes
up the stairway l appeared to be look
ing from the bottom of deep well.
assembled the stairs, trying to make no
noise, but there was not silent board
to tread on, and creak which startled
me was given out at each step.
thought l heard sound, as of the light
ing of Il match. Then an irresistible
impulse seemed to be hurrylng me on,
though the prospect of dark halls and
open dOorwayS was not inviting. ! said,
half aloud: Don't be fool" and
walked bravely into the first room l
came to. l closed the door quickly and
turned the key.
put the candle on table, and my
self in a chair, and took a view of the
room. 1t was furnished with a chair,
table, bed, a door and window 1
walked to the window and looked
through the panes. The trees, stand
ing in their own deep shade, were faint
ly visible, and the nearer ones dimly
lighted by the flame of my lone candle.
As l glanced upward the light was seen
among the leaves high above my win
dow. l moved so as to intercept the
light from my candle, but the upper
branches still shone. What was it? l
raised the sash and looked out. There
was window above my head, and COM
ing from it l could see faint light |
drew in my head to mediate, and dis
tinctly heard the window above me
open. l closed mine and went to the
door to listen. | heard muffied foot
fall on the stairs, and all the
stories l had heard of walking
ghosts flashed through my mind.
Step after step the sound came
nearer, and l strained my ears to catch
every noise. Suddenly the loud ringing
Of bells was heard through the house,
and the sound of the steps ceased. All
was silent for moment, and | began to
think l was foolish in coming to the
house. While listening for outside
noises a cold chill took possession of my
frame at the sound of voice in the
room, seemingly within few feet of
me. 1t was deep muftied voice, and
in measured accents it said: Blood!
blood! blood" l admit was unnerved.
My revolver was in my hand, but there
was nothing to shoot at was about
to open the door, when heard the steps
again. l stopped and looked through
the keyhole. Horrors! distinctly saw
an eye looking into mine, and again the
bells rang.
| started back, and stood in the mid
die of the room. There came a loud
noise from below, which sounded as if
heavy bodies were falling, and the en-
tire house shook. This was followed by