The Canton times. (Canton, Miss.) 1893-1906, 1895-06-28

would devoItly pray that the oenedic
ton mig hit soon be uttered.
! While he was in truth naturally shy
he was exceeding brave in all things
except women. He would boldly de
nounce sin, and his fearlessness In
dealing with and reforming the most
hardened sinners in the town was
well known. Where there was real
danger he knew no fear, but where Q
pretty girl was concerned, and more
especially Mistress Ethel, he was more
tim id than an affrighted hare or start
led dove.
So when Sir John Bently did boldly
challenge him to speak with and ex-
orcise the woman ghost he was moth
ing 10TH Master Hilton inwardly
wondered if female ghost were as
formidable as woman. but agreed to
stay that night at the manor and
argue the right of possession with the
spirit.
The other guests soon departed, and
| Sir John called to his daughter.
Ethel" he said, .'our good Master
Hilton hath promised to rid us of the
ghost, and will keep watch in the west
| hall tonight"
"Art not afraid?" said Ethel, leaning
toward him eagerly.
Nay, Mistress Ethel, OF what should
l be afraid?"
The maiden laughed, very gently,
yet surprisingly melodious.
Thou art exceeding brave, good
Master IIilton!" she exclaimed, land l
do adore brave and valiant men,"
tut, child" chided Sir John. ut is
unbecoming for mere chit of child
to talk thus
q am not chit of child. Perhaps
YOU forget, father, that / did turn
eighteen years last st. Agnes eve"
More shame, then, that woman
should talk of adoring men!"
The girl shrugged her shoulders and
then turned to the young minister.
Art sure thou art not fearsome?
NAY. why should be?"
''Thou'rt fearsome Of me, and be
but chit of girl; methinks thou
wouldst die of alright if thou sawest
spirit
Nay, Mistress Ethel, thou dost me
wrong.'' disclaimed the minister.
But tits the spirit of woman" con-
tinued Ethel, waxing eloquent
The parson shudde-'ed.
.Of an exceeding young and beauti-
full woman"'
Master Hilton wiped the beads of
perspiration from his brow.
And she has mocking laugh"
He raised his hand as though TO beg
her to cease her cruel narrative.
And sparkling eyes that dance with
light
Enough pleaded Master Hilton.
'Tell me no more! If what she sayeth
tonight, Sir joint"
NAY, good Master Hilton, the girl
would rob thee of thy staunch heart.
Begone, vixen off to bed with your
The night dragged on with most un-
righteous hardness for the minister in
the west hall, and the young man lis
tened eagerly for the Waterman who
walked through the streets with his
lantern and staff and proclaimed the
hours.
The minister being at last weary
with much watching and waiting, al
lowed his eyes to close in fitful slum-
her, in spite of his fear. He awoke
with a start for it seemed that hand
had touched him.
He looked about him in great fear,
but saw nothing. Trembling like one |
in mighty chill, he peered into the
darkness right distinctly. But pres
emily he saw more. At the end of the |
hall appeared figure clad in white,
that glided toward him with out
stretched hands.
He strove to speak, but his voice |
failed him. He tried to turn and fly, |
but his limbs refused their office.
Finally, by great effort, he called
''Who-who art thou, and oh--what !
dost thou want?''
THAT thou soon shalt know, stricken |
mortal said the ghost.
Tell me, adjure thee, by all that |
is sacred. what art thou?"
Il am female ghostw said the fig |
ure in white; and then it seemed that |
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