The St. Johns herald., 1896-04-11
,o+h and understood snas f Ywas soul


 doomed to wander until I could succeed in selling that bill of goods. l spoke once or twice, offering the denims under yalue. but nobody noticed me. Verdict: Accidental death, by negligence of de- ceased. Railroad corporation not to blame. Deceased got out for beer at his own risk. The other drummers took charge of the remains and wrote beautiful letter to my relatives about my social qualities and my impressive conversation. I wish 1t had been less impressive that time. 1 might have lied about my sales, or might have said that hoped for better luck. But after that oath there was nothing for it. Back and forth, back and forth, on this road, in chair No. 13, to all eternity. Nobody suspects my presence. They sit on my nees-I'm playing in luck when it is nice baby, as it was this after noon They pile wraps, bags, even rail- way literature on me. They play cards under my nose-and what duffers some of them arel You, madam, are the first person who has perceived me, and there fore veutured to speak to you, mean ing no offense can see that you are sorry for me- Now, if yCu recall the story of the Flying Dutchman, he was saved by the charity of good woman. In fact, Senta married him. Now Pm not asking anything of that size. l see that you wear wedding ring, and no doubt you make some man s happiness. I wasn't a marrying man myself and naturally am not a marrying ghost. And that has nothing to do with the matter anyway. But if you could-1 don't suppose you would have any use for them-but if you were disposed to do turn of good, solid Christian char ity-I should be everlastingly grateful, and you may have that case of denims at $72 50. And that quality is quoted to- day at $50. Does 1t go, madam?'
 ''The speech of the poor ghost was not very eloquent, but his eyes had an intense, eager glare which was terrible Something-pity, fear, do not know what-compelled me. decided to do without that white and gold evening cloak. Instead I gave SIP. 90 to the ghost and took from him receipt for the sum, signed J. Ellington Price Then he smiled contentedly, thanked me with emotion and returned to chair No. 13 Several times on the journey, although I did not perceive him again, I felt dazed. When the train arrived at New York and I, with the other pas sengers, dismounted, it seemed to me that strong hand passed under my el- bow, steadying me down the steps. As I walked the length of the station my bag-not heavy at any time-appeared to become weightless. believe that the parlor car ghost walked beside me car rying the bag, whose handle still re- mained in my other hand. Indeed once or twice thought felt the touch of cold fingers against mine Since then l have no reason to suppose that the poor ghost is not at rest. hope he is.
 ''But never expected or wished for the blue denims. The next day, how ever, a dray belonging to great whole sale house backed up to our door and delivered a case of denims, with re- ceipted bill for the same. What was 1 to do? I could not go about selling blue denims. I could not give them away without exciting comment. So l fur nished the cottage with them, and you know the effect on my complexion. Pity me, dear! And credit me, frivolous wo man as am, with having saved soul at the expense of my own vanity. My story is told What do you think about t?"-Elizabeth Pullen in New York Advertiser