Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-02-21

| "A Landlords Peculiar Superstition Wa
Tragically Verified by His Death.
From the Atlanta Constitution
It was q dreary December night. and - I
stretched myself before the comfortable fire
in ''The wayside Tavern" pitied ali belated
travellers who were unsheltered in the cold and
sleet.
''Yes," said the landlord, continuing Q sub
ject we had been discussing. when . loud rat
| Ting Of the windows had momentarily inter
rupted the conversation. 81 always was super
stitious i wouldn't make the fifth man at q
table for anything in the world. There's
something in it, I tell you. I'm afraid Of odd
| numbers"
I laughed as brushed the ashes from my
cigar and refilled my glass.
There's luck in odd numbers, landlord"
said, pushing the decanter toward him.
II don't believe it. Ny father fell dead while
sitting at the table with four others. He made
the fifth man. He died in this very roomr
earnest about it. His face was pale and he lifted
his glass with nervous hands.
was about to make another effort to dispei
his illusions when there was Q loud knock at
tho door.
The landlord banged his glass on the table
with force enough to shiver it and drew back
| the iron bolt.
One man with dripping clothes entered.
Then another, and another-"One, two, three, "
counted the landlord. "Any more2" and he
peered out into the darkness.
mo more!' said a tall, black-whiskered fell
low with an evil countenance. saint three
enough?"
ITS all can lodge tonight" said the land
lord. Then, bending down, he whispered in
my ear:
were talking aboutw
His hand trembled nervously on my shoulder
Strange-andh he big, burly fellow, with limbs
like giants!
Bring out your wine r' cried one Of the
men-or something stronger if you've got it.
We've travelled far and every man of us is wet
through
"Yes" cried the others, "give us something
strong-something thstn warm us quicker
than your FIRE there!'
Glasses were soon clinking, toasts were pro-
posed and responded to and the three travellers
who were 80 fortunately sheltered began to
make merry.
Their merriment amused me, but did not
loin In It, was noticing the landlord at odd
He sat near the fire-far enough away from
the table-silent and morose. was leaning
Dack In my chair, my arm resting on the table.
The three strangers sat opposite.
Come, landlordr' cried one, land you,
stranger, addressing me, come, have q round
with nus US. -, We're just party of five. Lets be
"rll drink with you," said the landlord, ris-
ing, but not at the table. l never sit down
with odd numbers"
The room echoed with laughter.
"Well, you're good one." said the tall, ILL.,
favored fellow. you've been frightened by
some old witch's yarn. Come, draw up a chair,
and I'll warrant the devil won't catch your
THAT may be-" said the landlord. ''but I'll
not risk it, for all that. I've got my preju-
dices."
"Why not put your prejudices to the test"
said, land dlssipate them forever
''Too much of a coward said one Of the
men. 81 dare him to take chair and make
one Of usr'
''Pour me out another drink. never took
that word-'cOward-from any man. I'll sit
with your
The man was hard drinker. He had told
me that when We were slipping wine together
before He advent of the three boisterous trav-
elefsi ~ this attributed much of his nerv-
business and superstition.
He tossed off another glass and then APP
preached the table unsteadily, as it seemed to
me, and sank into chair.
"Now, to the landlords healthr' cried the
men, and glasses were filled again.
He drank long and deeply. The pallor of his
face increased; his hand trembled violently a
strange light crept into his eyes and he stared
vacantly around the room.
Presently the filed glass fell from his hand to
the floor. He looked from face to face with wild,
appealing eyes, then his head fell forward until
it rested on the table.
When We lifted him there was no sign Of life
In the staring eyes.
"Good God r' cried, "the man is deadr'
echoed, ''Deadn'
Here was mystery! But in this world 30
plain, yet so mysterious, far stranger things are
happening every day.