The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-03-08

meekly allow it to abscond, thereby
reducing Neither Talkington from its
unique position to the level of its
neighbors, and without a struggle sub
nit to the grievouS imposition of
heavy rates?
The vicar, who was in the chair
agreed as to the lamentable state of
things consequent on the disappear
ancc of the ghost. but submitted that
nothing could he done. They mad no
leaal or moral power over the shade OF
the squire. 1t had made no agreement
to reside in the Grange for perpctuity,
and although it had certainly behaved
unhandsomely in absconding without
moments warning, they had no re-
dress.
Other speakers followed. 1t was pro-
posed that a subcommittee should be
appointed to deal with the matter, and
| names We're suggested, but on these
councillors asking in what direction
they We're to pursue their inquiries and
what We're their powers, no satsfac-
tory answer could be given; so they
refused to act, and the matter was
left precisely where it was before.
A fortnight passed. The ghost did
not return. Visitors ceased to flock TO
Neither Talkington; the staff of the
White Swan was reduced, and the
guide to the Grange was admitted to
the workhouse.
The next meeting of the Parish
council took place and the squires
| ghost stod again on the agenda pa
per. When this point was reached
the chairman said that the grost was
still missing, and that he understood
| that Councillor Timperley wished to
| say something on the subject.
| Councillor Sam Timperley, the prn-
| cipal greengrocer of the place. stood up.
| Yes, Mr.. Chairman" he said, Il
have something to say. And before l
say it l shall have to give a little in
formation about myself. You all know
that I'm vegetarian, but perhaps it
| will be news to you that l am some
| thing more. I'm Buddhist"
If he had stated that he was an an
archist he could not have caused more
CONSERVATION. A general murmur of
surprise and disgust ran round the
table, and his immediate neighbors
edged away from him. Undeterred by
this manifestation of feeling the green
grocer went on;
Yes, I'm Buddhist, and I'm proud
of it; and if you knew what it meant
you'd all be one"
! Never" came in a firm tone from
Councillor Mudford, the chemist.
YOU'D all be one" repeated Timper-
ley, glaring at his interrupter. Nov
you none of you know what a Buddhist
is, and I'll leave it to you to find out fol
yourselves, but I'll just tell you this
much. When a Buddhist has gone
through a certain course of training
he can disintegrate himself, that is
his astral shape or spirit can leave it.
body at Will and travel where it likes
l can do this"
"Oh, OH" cried the assembled coun
cillors in derision.
Il can do this, say" calmly contin
ued the green grocer "and / am pre-
pared on certain terms to do ii for tn,
benefit of Neither Talkington. Tn,
squirefs ghost is somewhere about
and though human being cannot iinC
it an astral shape can. Set spirit t,
catch spirit. ! am prepared to dis
integrate myself and let my astra
shape search for the squire, and if he il
anyway like reasonable I'll engage I,
bring him back"
Gentlemen" said the vicar. rising
II think we had better proceed to tn
next business. / have always had
sincere respect for Councillor Timper
ley, but l think he is not himself to
night. What he has just said convince
me that he is al present suffering form
some extraordinary hallucinatlon.
have no doubt it is only temporary, ant
we must all hope that he will soon b
restored to his normal mental state
Nothing can be gained by discussing
what he has just said. and with you