Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-06-04
MY UNCLE BEAGLEY,


the present century as a bagman, will
tell stories. Among them, he tells his
Ghost story SO often that am heartily
tired Of it. In self-defense, therefore,
I publish the tale. in order that when
next the good, kind old gentleman
offers to bore us with it. everybody
NAV saw they know it. l lemember
every word of it.
One fine autumn evening about forty
years ago, l was travelling on horse
back from Shrewsbury to Chester. l
felt tolerably tired, and was beginning
to look out for some snug wayside inn,
where might pass the night, when a
sudden and violent thunder storm came
on. My horse, terrified by the light
ming, fairly took the bride between
his teeth and started off with me at
full gallop through lanes and cross
roads until at length I managed to
pull him up just near the door of a
neat-looking country inn.
well thought /, there was wit
IN your madness old boy. since it
brought us to this comfortable refuge"
And alighting, ! gave him in charge
TO the stout farmers boy who acted as
hostler. The inn-kitchen, which was
also the guest room. was large, clean,
neat and comfortable, very like the
pleasant hostelry described by Izaak
Walton. There were several travellers
in the room-probably like myself,
driven there for shelter-and they were
all warming themselves by the blazing
fire while waiting for supper joined
the party. Presently, being summoned
by the hostess, we all sat down, twelve
In number, to a smoking repast of
bacon and eggs, cOrned beef and car
rots and stewed hare.
The conversation naturally turned
on the mishaps occasioned by the
storm. of which every one seemed to
have his full share. One had been
thrown off his horse. Another. driv-
ing in gig, had been upset into "a
muddy dyke. All had got thorough
wetting and agreed unanimously that
1t was dreadful weather-a regular
witches Sabbath
W iu'hSo anu = hoStS l'IclcT lOE lIlclF
Sabbath, a fine moonlight to such
weather as this"
These words We're uttered in solemn
tone' and with strange emphasis, by
one OF the company. He was tall,
dark-looking man. and l had set him
down in my own mind as a travelling
merchant or peddler. My next neigh
Dor was gay, well looking, fashion
ably dressed young man, who, bursting
into peal of laughter said
you must know the manners and
customs OF ghosts very we'll. to be able
TO tell that they dislike getting wet or
muddy"
The first speaker giving him dark
nefce look, sald
~ Dung man, speak not so lightly Of
th'ngs above your comprehension.
'Do you mean to imply there are
such things as ghOsts?"
Perhaps there are, if you had cour-
age to look at them"
The young man stood up, flushed
WIN anger. But presently resuming
MS seat, he said calmly:
"lhat taunt should cost you dear if
IL were not such a foolish one"
"a foolish one." exclaimed the mer-
enaht' throwing on the table a heavy
'oa'nerh purse. There are fifty
euiheas. | am content to lose them
all II before the hour is ended, | do
no' succeed in showing you, who are
% opstlnately prejudiced. the form Of
any one of your deceased friends, and
II, after you have recognized him, you
vii, allow him to kiss your lips"
we all looked at each other, but my
soung nelghbor, still in the same
nocklng manner. replied:
lou will do that, will youp"
4, les said the other. IL will stake
NleSe nifty guineas on condition that
you Will pay asimilar sum if you lose. {"
AFTER short silence, the young man
said gaily:
Flity guineas, my worthy sorcerer.
are more than poor college sizar
e,er possessed; but here are five,
winch If you are satisfied. 1 shall be
'nost willing to wager"
T. Inc other took up his purse. saying
Al contemptuous tone:
draw backp"
draw back?" exclaimed the stu
aenl' We'll! if had the fifty gum
as you should see whether l wish to
draw backm
Here" said I. '.are four guineas
"nch will stake on your wager"
a.; NO sooner had l made this PROPOSE
on IMAM the rest Of tho company. at
o. ae1ea oy the singularity OF the affair.
s ane forward to lay down their money,
a anu IN a minute or two the fifty
suineas were subscribed. The mer-
S sn'nt appeared SO sure of winning that
Nc placed all the stakes in the students
maN as' and prepared for his expert
.m en,' We selected for the purpose a
''"a'i summer house in the garden.