The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1890-07-30

up the matter as went along, and hand
in the copy as soon as reporting at tho
Office in the morning. The fact is, |
was fast becoming elated over tho fat
assignment that had been given me, as
l could elaborate on the subject quite
extensively without fear of successful
contradictory remarks from our es-
teemed contemporaries. They were
afraid to enter the haunted house and
ascertain the facts for themselves, and
would therefore have to believe what
said about the nocturnal occupants.
II was busily writing away about
nine o'clock when | had occasion to
straighten up to rest my tired fingers,
and noticed a beautiful young woman
standing in the door looking at me. l
mechanically rose to my feet and faced
around toward her. She looked square
ly at me, and l could see her beautiful
eyes as they danced in tho reflected
light of the lantern. Her long hair
hung loosely about her shoulders, her
checks were natural pink tint, and
| was particularly attracted by her
, milk white teeth revealed by her half
open lips
The thought of a ghost never en-
tered my mind as we stood there looking
at each other OF course, thought she
. was some stranger who had lost herself
$ and strayed into the house. not know
| ing it's reputation, and was about to tell
Y her that she had made a mistake, when
: she stepped forward and extended her
hand with dazzling smile. | also ex-
d tended my hand at the same time, but
: grasped nothing | must confess that
n Jared on my nerves little, but soon
t recovered myself.
h "My beautiful visitor proved to be the
3 much-drcaded ghost, and she at Onco
7 won me over by her kindness and BEAM
Il ing smiles. She talked so entertaining
# ly that | forgot myself and my sur
\ roundings She said the once-beautitul
"a homo had been hers, and she occasion
= ally revisited it for the sake of old
|: times l was questioned closely as to
It my mission on the premises, and when
IT. had related the whole story sill very
q peal of laughter rang out on the night
d air that completely carried me away.
"a 81 acknowledged that undertook
the task with greater fear than hac
a ever before experienced.
- "'Well, she went on, meditatlVely
le it was hcartless in the man who sen
to you here, and | don't propose that hi
al shall reap any benefit from it. Yo'
"a must not report to the office in the
ia morning. Your manuscript can not b.
mt published
to- with that she took up the dozel
ed sheets had written, twisted them int
of wad, and dropped that into crevic
,e. in the side of the wall
oh Offence forth you are in my charge
90 she went on. You will be we'll take
.et care of and will never need for money
| will be with you wherever you go an
be- see that no harm befalls you
as '!She has been as good as her wore
as She told me to call her Nina, and 81
up has been with me night and day sine
q and"
Tho This was the manuscript saw {
"a looking over the shoulder of mlddl
aged man at private asylum for Il
vol insane while on visit to that instit
,u ton few years ago. When interrupt
out INC niah iooNoo up ilcui ni' -siNs
min later gave it to me as it appeared abov
engaged him in conversation, and su
,,o seauentlv we went out for walk
md was perfectly harmless, and was allow
, n the freedom of the grounds. We soug
for seats on the shady side of the buildin
NV and he told me his story from heGl
y, ming to end While talking to me
49, moved toward the end of the bench
~ which he was sitting, and invited
,sts invisible companion to take seat
side him. He appeared to talk to h
and seemed happy, poor fellow
had When left he shook hands and s;
)me he and Nina would De giaa 10 SEQ
re- | any time could make it convenient
the call.
\ in Before leaving the premises l mt
half toned the actions Of the patient to
and superintendent, and expressed sy
,ket patty for the poor fellow.
wn. 81 fear his case is hopeless" said
and superintendent, sorrowfully. "He ,
as bright newspaper reporter as G
was knew before his fatal visit to t
The alleged haunted house. Something
late Cured there to dethrone his reason,
The that subject at least He was found
rom the oil / house the next morning in
ully condition you see him at present.
ind. apparently has TO care, no sorrow,
ront says he is guided wholly by the wis
at a of his imaginary companion. His is,
tice deed, sad case, and the result Of
and trip to the old house has been sou
of great sorrow to the editor who S
lie of the bright young man on his fatal n
til SION"
and AS left the grounds l saw I
d of Smith walking among the flowers.
ding plucked one here and there, and
). l inhaling their fragrance himself, VIC
very hold them out as though inviting
,orn. other to share the pleasure with hin
+ the The last heard OF the poor man
l. was still at the asylum, apparently
loor. happiest man in the world He reg
It all his trip to the alleged haunted hous
sur great streak of luck. His is, ind
ould strange case, but what mortal can
.rdly he is deluded in the belief of the ane
my presence of the woman he CLANS to
sue taken charge OF him forevere We
nat only wonder at such things, but can
t all solve them. This life is riddle,
on a the case of poor Smith is beyond
and power to solve, except on the tn
ound that the lonely vigil that night
cush- more than his over-worked brain C