The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1892-05-14
A REAL SPECTER.
The Awesonle Apparition That
Two Girls Saw.

''It will be such fun" said merry
hearted Clara Wynford.
81 don't think it will be fun at all"
said Marian Dale, gravely. "Only see
what a dismal place It is under that
ledge of rocks, with only the
owls and the crickcis for neighbors.
Let us run, Clara, and we shall surely
reach home before the storm breaks"
''Hush!' Clara held Up her finger as
low growl of thunder rolled along the
edge of the horizon ana the big drops
began to patter among the leaves Of the
beech-copse, on whose outskirts they
stood. another five minu.es and the
tempest will be upon us in al its force.
We must not lose an instant N seeking
shelter"
But suppose old Huldah viii not ad-
init us?"
1T is all nonsense to suppose any
thing of the kind. She cannot REL use us
shelter in storm like this"
And, seizing her companions hand
,-esolutely, Clara Wynford almost
dragged her along over the rouga in
cqualities of the mountain path tc ihe
overhanging ledge of rocks. OLae,
twice, she tapped, and, receiving no ae-
sponse, boldly pushed the door op.
and entered, while Marian follow.
with beating heart and cheeks blanchet
by vague, underlined terror.
A fire of sticks blazed on the hugo
stone hearth, and an old woman sat be
fore 1T smoking short, black pipe. She
Gurned her head as they entered.
''Why didn't You say Come in, HUI
G3ah?' inquired Clara, with good
aImorcd imperiousness. Didn't you
ETear MS craving admission?'
81 heard your knock" hoarsely an
swered the old crone.
~'And why didn't you reply?"
II want no company was the brief
answer.
But Clara Wynford, instead of being
-epelled by this ungracious reception,
drew wooden stool to the fire, beck
ssuiug Marian to follow her example.
you're cross old thing, Huldah, ,"
she said, laughing. Would You have
8fePG us ont in the rain?'
Better to be drenched by the rain
chan to seek shelter like this" said
Huldah, her face still turned away from
her unlimited guests.
why, Huldah, You speak rs if this
place were uncauny."
80 it is, +" said Huldah, sternly.
''Arc there ghosts here, or evil spir-
ita?" persisted Clara, the words sound
ing strangely in her gay young voice.
Clara! Clara!" pleaded Marian. pull
eng her sleeve, don't talk so you
snake my blood run cold!"
"But it's all nonsense" laughed Clara.
oh, do listen to the rain! how it pours
0pon the roof, and just see those vivid
flashes You can't turn us out, Huldah,
NOW that we are here"
Uuldah Dare's rigid old face softened
somewhat as she looked into the fresh
,teauty of the sweet young countenance
upturned to hers.
81 would never have invited you to
~somc in, Miss Clara" she said; but,
since you are here, must do my best to
zaHzke you comfortable"
And you will give us some milk out
o'Sf tl1ose darling old blue-rimmed bowls
and some rye bread?"
Yes
Clara clapped ner hands like de-
lighted child.
-'And may we sleep up in the garret
sander the eaVes?"
''YOn had better go home, Miss Clara
this hnt is no place for the likes Of
yOu dainty young ladies to lay your
heads"
-'Inhospitable old thingr pouted
Ctara- 'As if we could go Tome in such
n tempest as thisl Why, 1t will rain all
aighE"
They will send the carriage for you -
-''How can they, when they haven't an
idea where we are? We started to walk
40 Bneieleyyille, and then | remem-
4ered what delicious wild grapes used