The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-03-14
d" REBECCA"
Written for The Morning Call by P.
Norbert Carney.

Written for The Morning Call by P.
Norbert Carney.
CONCLUDED
1t was Sunday afternoon; grouped on
the porch in front Of the house at Clontarf
were Rebecca, her two sisters, half dozen
Young people who were visiting the family,
her father, mother aud myself. We were
discussing party that was to be given the
following week In honor OF Rebecea's TWEEN
ty-frst birthday. The sky, which had been
clear all day, suddenly clouded and after
while it began to ain. Gradually 1t COM
menced to grow dark and at last began
terrible thunderstorm. Jack, you cannot
realize the terrorS of that storm. In Cali
fOrnia we never have anything like It, 1t
did not take US long to seek shelter in the
parlor, where each one tried 10 console the
other by intimating that the storm would
soon blow over. The thunder-cl apS ceased
at last but the lightning continued to flash
AZ irregular periods.
We were all invited to remain for supper
and after 1t was over we again repaired TO
The parlor, where blazing fire mad been
kindled by the maid. The wind was blow
ing in ftful gusts and we could hear tie
angry moan of the sea as 1t dashed in upon
The beach scarcely furlong off. Our chairs
formed a circle around the fire and one Of the
party suggested that we bagin to tell ghost
stories. MI Springer had the best stock
on hand and some of the tales which he told
US made more than one of his listeners feel
uncomfortable in their chairs. Shortly after
supper LangTOn put in an appearance and
became one Of the group. The storm out
side still continued and between the bowling
Of the wind through the trees and the hair
raising stories that were being told, those
who were OF superstitious turn OF mind
began to wish that they were elsewhere.
Mr.. Springer, Of the request OF his wife. re-
lated the story Of the ghost of Oak Row.
Oak Row was side path at the upper end
of the lawn surrounding the house. 1t was
shaded on both sides by trees, and at night
presented anything but an inviting appear
anGe. 1t appeared that years before
a very curious form had been seen
almost every night in the vicinity of
Oak Row, and according to Mr..
Springer's statement more than one person
had been frightened to death by this strange
apparitiOn. The STORYTELLING continued for
some time. and about II o'clock the storm
had practically ended. At last those who
did not belong in the house began to pre-
pare themselves for their homeward journey.
Just as we were about to bid the family
goodnight, LangrOn. in a confident tone,
dared Rebecca to take q run with him up to
Oak Row, to see if his ghostshlp was abroad
that night We all laughed at the singular
proposition, but when bliss Springer, IN
answer, replied that she would not be afraid
to go up there with me. | was more than
surprised. LangTOn was somewhat taken
aback, and when l gladly took her by the
hand and said that l was quite willing to
accompany her, l noticed look of hate
spring into my rivals eyes. The balance
Of the crowd tried to persuade us from max
ing such a senscless trip, but l was deter
mined TO get ahead of this cowardly man
for once in my life, and we started for the
row on a slow run, hand clasped in hand.
On we sped toward the haunted spot,
tel, M tori ATfRa In
setting Of the boat at DOllymount had not
felt so happy. Could this be Tuse on her
part to put me of my guard?
We we're almost at our destination when
my little companion suddenly stopped, and,
clutching ME by the arm, said, in fright
eDed whisper:
Look. there's something there" at the
same time pointing toward Oak Row.
will confess that / was a little put out
by her rather sudden move, but on regain
ing my composure l convinced her that it
was nothing more than the shadow of the
trees swaying too aud fro that had fright
ened her. We again started off. and at last
arrived al the row. In vain we looked up
and down the narrow pathway. Mr.. Ghost
failed to put in al appearance.
Are you frightened, little grip" l
queried. "Surely after all the ghost stories
We heard tonight you must feel just little
bit scared?'
mo, Phil now 1 am brave" she an
swered, and l am not afraid to walk up
and down the path with you"
Again | was puzzled. Perhaps, after all,
she did not care so very much for Langron.
| was almost beside myself with joy. There
was something in her voice that inspired
me with confidence, and l asked her to rest
a moment in one of the little summer-hOuses
which was close at hand. She gently pro-
tested saying that the folks at the house
would be wondering what detained US so
long. A little persuasion. however, caused
her 10 change her mind, and we we're soon
sitting side by side on one of the benches.
The moon. which had been shining brightly
for some time past, was still in full view
and from the interior of the summer-house
we could see everything around US quite
plain.
her hand rested In mine, and when she
nestled close TO me all my resolves took
fight and | was weak-minded man once
more. Ny Godl how my heart did beatl
The old longing returned anew-before /
knew it l had her clasDed in my arms.
Again and again ! told her how | loved and
wOrshiped her, and, as of yore, she made
no effort to draw away from me. l was de-
termined to find out the truth. II she really
loved Langron, whom she believed had
saved her life, then | would leave Dublin for
ever and seek my fortune abroad in Amer
lea. Africa, India-anywhere, for | could
never remain near her and know that my
great love was not reciprocated. The words
must have sounded unnatural when l asked
her if she had learned to love me yet. l told
her that l was fully aware Of Langron's
claim upon her hand, but must hear from
her own lips the whole TRUTH
She suddenly drew away from me, and
holding both my hands in hers asked me if
would do the same for her under similar
circumstances as Langron had done. l was
almost on the point Of telling her all, but
eurbed my tongue just in time.
Perhaps" | replied, "the man who truly
loves woman should be ready at any mo
meDt to risk his life for hers"
Phil, you are a brave man; hate cow
ards. / could never marry a coward. If /
lad fifty lives l would risk them for your
sake"
Her voice was full Of emotion. and she
held my hands with vise-lke grip. "What
do you mean?" l asked in puzzled tone
"Oh, Phil" and she burst into tears. 1
drew her toward me again and petted her.
There. there. don't cry, my little girl" L
said to her. 81 wish could prove in some
way how brave could be il you were in
danger" She looked up into my face and
in pleading voice asked me if was trying
10 break her heart.
| could not understand and told her so.
''Phil," said she suddenly, 81 want TO tell
Won little story; will you listen?" told
her tliatI would be only too happy to listen
to her story.
well" she began, ''about year ago a
boat was upset close to the Bull Wall and
the man and woman who wefe in it were
left s.ruggling 10 the angry srft The man
was good swimmer. but he vas coward,
and the DOR woman, who could not swim at
all was left to drown her cOmDaniQQ re-