Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1892-08-12
MistellauenMs.
CALLED BY A GHOST.
Wanted, sir-a patient. "

II was IN the carly days Of my profess
sional career when patients we're scarce /;
and though | was in the act of sitting
down to my chop, ! hurried instantly
into my surgery
entered briskly but no sooner did
| catch sight of the figure standing lean
ing against the counter than started
back with strange feeling of horror.
Never shall forget the. ghastliness of
that tace-the white horror stamped up
on every feature-the agony which seem
ed to sink the very eyes beneath the
contracted brows it was awful to me
to behold, accustomed as | was to scenes
Of terror. '0'Atat" tAN, $685.
"You seek advice" began. with
some hesitation. A'
"No; am not ILL., t
"You require them
Hush !" he interrupted, approaching
more nearly and dropping his already
low murmur to more whisper. 81 be-
lieve you are not rich. Would you be
willing TO earn thousand pounds 7"
u should be thankful, ii could do
so honestly" I replied with dignity.
"What is the service required of mo I"
A peculiar look of intense horror
passed over the white face before me,
but the blue-black lips answered firmly,
ITO attend deathbod."
"A thousand pounds TO attend death
bed ! Where am ! to go, thcn-whosc
is itT assn E.t ..IHa.
"Mne."
The voice in which this was said
sounded so hollow and distant that in
Voluntarily | shrank back. "Yours
What nonsense You arc not dying
man. You are pale, but you appear
perfectly healthy. You
"Hush p he interrupted II know all
this. You cannot be more convinced
of MY physical health than nun myself
yet know that before the olock tolls
the first hour after midnight | shall be
dead man" ......
"But'-- ..a
He shuddered slightly but stretch
ing out his hand commandingly, motion
cd me to BIO silent 81 am but too we'll
informed of what alIirm," he said quiet
ly 81 have received mysterious sum
mons from the dead, No mortal aid can
avail me do not come either to seek
your advice or to argue tho matter with
you, but simply TO buy your services.
| offer you II 600 to pass the night 10
my chamber and witness the scene which
takes place.""gkagTB 90 gstB0F
The words, strange as they wore. were
spoken calmly enough, but an express,
sion Of such wild horror again passed
over the strangers face that in spite Of
the immense fec | hesitated 10 answer.
He placed before me a parchment
document, and following tho indication
Of that white, muscular hand read the
words, "And to Mr.. Frederick Read, Of
IA High street, Alton. bequeath the
sum of IL 900 for certain services rem
dered to me"
II have had that will drawn up with
in the last twenty-four hours, and
signed it an hour ago in the presence of
competent witnesses | am prepared,
you SEQ Q, Now dQ you aqaep. my Offer
My answer was TO walk across tho
room and take down my hat, and then
lock the door Of the surgery communi-
eating with the house
1t was dark. icy cold night, and
somehow the courage and determining
ton which the sight Of my own name IN
connection with a thousand pounds had
given me tagged considerable as [ found
myself hurried along through the silent
darkness by man whose deathbed
was about 10 attend.
He was grimly silent. but as bis hand
touched mine, in spite Of tho frost, il
felt like burning coal 'dI
On We went--tramp, tramp, through
the snow--on, on, till even grew
weary, aud at length on my appalled, car
struck the chimes Of church clock,
while close at hand | distinguished the
snowy billocks Of churahyard IAN
Eleven" groaned the doomed man.
"Gracious God but two hours more
and that ghost messenger will bring tic
summons. Come, come; for meroys
sake, let US hasten y n ftG-
There was but short road separating
US now from d wall which surrounded
u large mansion, aud along this VIC has
tened until we reached q small door.
Passing through this We stealthily as
cended the private staircase 10 q splen-
didly furnished apartment. '.. .
All was intensely silent, bowever,
through the house MY companion
glanced at the clock on tho mantel shelf
aud sank into large chair BY the side
Of The fire with siiudder 'Only an.
hour aud a!halfi longer" he muttered.
Great heaven thought had more
fsrtru1e, This borror uupaps me"
put my hand on his wrist, lor dhsre
! was'sow'a fever 10 his suuken eyes