The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1897-01-01

uilieieilt IoIlloilS ol tile room.
".ohn Norton, if ever | see him in
my life. Why, his ace was as plain
as daylight" is heard in awed whis-
pers from every side.
The squire. who has been drawn to
the room by the screams of the women,
on learning the state of affairs, rushes
Immediately to the front door, and
there upon the steps, with his hand
upon the knob of the door-bell, stands
the ghost-John Norton!
The squire involuntarily takes few
steps backward, and stands in speech
less amazement and fear
Happy New Year, squire! You
don't seem very glad to see me-" came
from the ghost in a hearty, most un-
ghostly tone. II am afraid frighten-
ed the ladies in the parlor. 1t was so
dark that l didn't think | should be
seem"
"Who in The word are your in
quired the squire, looking somewhat
relieved
Don't you know John Norton? Have
| changed beyond recognition in these
eight years p
but you-but John Norton is dead"
said the squire, with chilling remem-
brances of what he had read about ma
terialistic spirits in mind.
The ghost laughed merrily.
''If | am dead, | am profoundly ig-
norant of the fact" said he, land am
surely John Norton"
Elsie, who had recovered from her
fainting fit, at the sound of his voice
enter the hall, and is Immediately fold
ed into his warm, strong arms.
"Ghost or man, you are my john y
she says.
Several ladies become hysterical at
this point, and the squire, in state
of the widest excitement walked to
and fro, rubbing his hand across his
| forehead in dazed manner.
"What is the matter?' inquired
John, finally re leasing Elsie from his
embrace, but still holdinc, her closely
by the hand.
II know that was supposed drown
ed, but how many sailors have come
back under the same circumstances.
But you are buried in this town. |
went to Boston myself and identified
your body. Have-haven't you seen
your gravestone y
John stared at the squire in blank
amazement.
NO, l can't say that l have. A
man doesn't often see such a sight.
What do you mean?"
"Why body was picked up from
the wreck of your ship, which Captain
Graves, you know very well, took to
be yours. The face was disfgured a
good deal, but the body had on coat
with your name sewed into the lining.
1t had the same mark on the left hand,
and the HAIR, complexion, height and
size corresponded exactly with your
own.
at must have been poor Thompson.
Everybody took him to be my brother.
He was very much like me certainly.
1 was saved by a miracle, and was tax
Ell on board ship bound for Austria,
lia L"
"But, John, why did you not come
home before p said Elsie, loosing her
hand from his grasp, and regarding
him with reproachful dignity.
because | heard that Elsie Newell
was married to Tom Rollins. l heard
it from his brother, whom | saw often
in Melbourne. Tom has known that
| was living all the time, the scoundrel
He left town as soon as he heard that
| was on my way home. hoped tc
find him here, for | have an account tC
settle with him.
ale is indeed scoundel," says Ell
sic; ''but John, this is New Years
eve, and we are happy, let us forgive
him. Let us forgive everything that
was painful in the past, now that we
are to commence New Year together
Surely, it cannot fail to be Il happy
one"
"Amen!" eXclaims John.
A LITTLE MIXED-"Gcorge Todgers
; where have YOU been until this time il
the morning."
'Been havin' little tinanshul discus
hin thatsh all"
Couldn't you do your Discussing | J
daylight"
Not thish time m'dear. had t,
shtay an prove that t'other side stick
ed it's matistics."
"Did what?'
'Sticked its miXtistics
"Say it again"
course can say it again. Micke'
its stixtics. What's matt'r with that?
"Well, you 90 to bed. I'll see tha
your statistics are thoroughly wei
mixed in the morning. Climb
First Deaf Mute-W hats the mat
ter with your hand. Been trying t.
ride a bicycle?
Second Deaf Mute-No. Been learn
| l.