The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-09-20

burn in the absence of a Waterman no
insurance could be collected, and ungarded
buildings have an unfortunate way of
catching atire in that country. Another
negro was at once sent down to the lake
as Waterman, and informed that if he
wanted at any time to quit his job to give
notice, so that there would be no inter
regnum. No. went to Davids Lake, ana
next the news came that he, too was
missing. Neither he nor his predecessor
ever called for salary due them, nor has
any trace of enther ever been found.
At this, the powers that ruled the COM
pany had a serious conference. Something
was soaring the negroes away, and it must
be put an end to. So William Potlatch,
one of the company's most reliable ne
groes, was sent to the single mill with
six-shooter, which he was instructed to
use should anything bother him.
William returned the very next morn
ing. He was the worst scared negro in
the state of Alabama He told a confused
story, that no one could made head or tail
of, about ghosts and John James. There
was no confusion in his statement that
no money could ever induce him to go
back again.
Meanwhile stories began to float around
to the effect that John James ghost was
haunting the mill and lake. OF course, the
company officials scorned such an idea,
but for all it's absurdity there was a Sc
rious side to the matter If the place ever
gained the reputation of being haunted
no negro would work there, and the mill
would have to be torn down, as negro
labor is the only kind available or possible
TO be procured. The company Determined
to lay the ghost at once and forever,
and to that end sent down a party well
equipped with all proper material for ex-
orcism. The party was composed of Tom
Smith ard Henry McTush, white men Of
known bravery and GOODNESS; also two
negroes, whom the presence of the whites
might induce to stand firm in the presence
of danger. All were armed and carried a
supply Of food and whisky.
They reached the mill at DaVid'S Lake
in the afternoon, taking possession of the
shanty next to and almost adjoining the
one formerly occupied by John james.
After supper, when the dark came, they
Tit a lantern and all sat out on the little
gallery of their quarters. There they gos-
siped, told tales and drank whisky until
they were in a proper mood to defy the
natural or the supernatural. After The
supply of tales had run out they took 10
shooting craps down on the floor.
Il must nave been near midnight.
One of the REF roes was praying ener-
getically to all the powers controlling fol-
tune that he might throw a nine spot.
and thereby wir the means to buy his
gal new shoes, when suddenly the door of
John James shanty opened and shut vio-
iently. The Players looked UP at once =
piece Of moon ever in the far west gave
dim light. One of the negroes eXclaim-
ed:
Lamb O. Coo, looky yoIdan"
From cut Of The shadow in front of the
James shanty came the form of man,
walking as though lame and carrying a
long pole. Both the negroes at once broke
for the woods. Smith and McTush stood
their ground like the nervy men they were.
The shade reitDer looked to right nor left,
but hobbled st, aight on across an opcr
space and toward the lake, where several
skiffs were moo cd. AS though with one
impulse and movement Smith and McTush
fired at the th'ne, but with no more ap-
parent result than if they hal shot at
tho stars. There was only the plunge Cf
their bullets heard out in the lake
"Spook or no spook, I'm goin' to run
that Teller down." said Smith, and as he
started McTush followed him.
They saw the ghost loosen one of the
skiffs and paddle out into the lake. It's
motion had seemed to be slow walk,
and yet running hard as they could, they
did not catch up with 1t. They, in their
turn, jumped into a skiff and padded
fiercely after. About where John James
body was found the first boat stopped,
and it's mysterious occupant began to
shove the long pole down into the water.
The purSuers drew nearer ana nearer, I'M
til there was barely a boat length between
them and their object. All at once they
heard a terrible, awesome cry. shrill and
piercing. simultaneously each man felt
a shock as though from an electric bat
terry. a shock so severe and overpowering
that they collapsed and fell unconscious in
the bottom of the skiff.
1t was daylight when they revived. They
had hoated at least two miles below the
mill. They were so weak and nervous,
so numbed and dazed, that they had bare
ly strength TO paddle to shore, nor has
either one fully recovered to this day.
Now, for any one who doubts these
things, or who is curious about them, here
are the lake and the mill. and the Sea-
board Company anxious to assist inves-
tigation. Also, the position of Waterman
is open. Who wants it?
Rheumatism Is cured by p. p. p Uipp-