Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1891-07-23

dark. Inc nl8nC OF my sIory' however,
I concluded to take the straight road
home, for the wind was bitter and cold,
and the other road took me four miles
out of my way. So spurred up my
faithful horse, Brownie, and was soon
galloplng over the hills, and down the
valleys. through lonesome forests, and
past level fields with here and there
silent farmhouse. until at last we neared
the haunted churchyard.
As I SAID before, it was dark night,
as dark as il pocket, and could barely
discover the outlines of the low ruinous
walls. All the ghostly stories | had
ever heard of the place darted intosmy
mind, and, in the black darkness, l had
10 power to resist them.
Drawing the cape of my great coat
over my head, so that | could see Meth.
err to the right or left, | was galloping
madly past, when, suddenly, Brownie
reared back, nearly throwing me from
the saddle. I never shall forget the
chill of horror that crept over me as |
turned toward the churchyard and saw,
what appeared to be-
"a ghost T. exclaimed Jack.
"What appeared to be" continued
grandfather, "a great fire; not a real,
blazing, crimson-heartel fire. but a
pale yellow sheet of fame, perhaps ten
feet high. By the light Of the fire |
could discern something white, slowly
moving around it,"
"Oh!' sighed Oracle, growing pale,
and even mother let her work drop
forgotten in her lap.
ITO add to my terror, the air grew
suddenly full OF meanings. and piteous
wailngs, which would die away into a
soft, sobbing sound, and then return
lOuder than ever.
II spurred Brownie on with all my
might, thinking to hurry away from
this fearful scene, bat it was Of no use
the poor animal plunged from side to
side, and reared back, but would not
stir IA step forward. saw plainly that
Icould not 60 past the churchyard that
night, to 60 back to the crossroads
with the north wind in 10y face was not
to be thought of.
I'm tins strait, 1t occurred to me that
| was very foolish to lie Il raid of a poor
ghost, who was only trying 10 make
himself comfortable this raw November
night. Besides, delighted in adyen.
lures, and with chattering teeth, boldly
resolved to so in and speak to his
ghostship. Jumping down, fastened
Brownie to the nearest tree, and then
very slowly climbed over the church.
yard wall. Summoning up all my
courage, hurried bravely on, keeping
my eyes fixed all the while, upon the
phantom, lest it should disappear.
Sometimes | would fancy it beckoning
to me, and then such mournful voices
would sob and moan in all the willow
trees us I passed by. My knees trem
bed, and iarly knocked together as |
neared the fire, while the voices grew
louder aud louder, until they seemed to
scream, and shrek with terror. I'm
agine my feelings, when the gilost,
raising his head, uttered loud, pierre.
ing neigh"
"My cried Milly, nearly tumbling
out of her chair.
"Ha ha ha !" roared grandfather,
laughing until his fat sides shook again.
"Ho me T. 1t was only nelghbor Will
liams' old gray horse that had broken
through gap in the wall.
"And the voices, grandpa?' said
Oracle.
"They were only the winds, my child.
whistIlng disma!ly through the tree
tops"
"Bnt, grandpa, how can you account
for the fire? p asked Jack, who felt dis
appointed at this Commonplace ending.
II belleye did shuduer little when
| touched the flames and found they
were cold said grandfather. ut was
50 unnatural, you know; bnt my fears
soon vanished when 1 found the spec
trail fire to be an old stump l had often
seen in broad daylight. 1t was Gov.
cred with species of the phosphores'
cent fnngi, which in the night gave out
pale light. AS the stump was ten or
twelve feet high it appeared IN the dis
lance to be great fire. haye often
read OF this fungus since. In the coal
mines near Dresden it coYers the pillars,
walls and roof, lighting up the whole
place with great splendor, and giving it
the air Of an enchanted castle. In
Brazil it grows on the decaying leaves
of the dwarf palm. At night the whole
plant gives out a bright phosphorescent