Greene County herald. (Leakesville, Miss.) 1898-current, 1899-03-09

Mrs. Coulson had some chance of con-
versation in one or other shop where
English is spoken; her husband, also,
had just few intimates in the town
with whom to exchange few harmless
condolences. In this way, then, some
of the peculiarities of Geoffrey Lang
dale became known.
Two or three of his compatriots
plucked up the courage to call on him,
but to all guests entrance seemed
strictly prohibited. Coulson could
only shake his gray head regretfully,
and in voice of low toned apology
utter the formula
"Mr. Langdale does not receive"
The ultra curious would now and
again tramp out as far as the little
chateau on a fine summer evening
and linger by the gate with a hope OF
catching just glimpse of the English
recluse. Those whose efforts were
successful agreed that he must be
about sixty years of age, and that his
appearance seemed to indicate a sad
story connected with his past life.
Several years went by. Then came
thO CfCHV W llSh ctlilCu baOoo btc6Df
districts into passing excitement and
gave birth to a mystery which has not
been-probably will not be-cleared
up.
A visitor had presented himself at
Chateau Rosendael and when Coulson
appeared his explanation was waved
aside with the remark
Stand back. am expected"
In subsequent examinations and
cross-examinations before the judicial
authorities the old servant always
made the statement that this visitor
didn't look like any one human"
When pressed to explain this opinion
he added that he was "more like
somebody who had been dead and
buried" However, he had handed in
folded paper, which was carried to
Mr.. Langdale in his study, and,
wonder of wonders! he was instantly
admitted without word of complaint.
1t was then late afternoon, but not
dark, for the month was August. Both
servants deposed to the absolute calm
which reigned in the house; they did
not even hear the sound of voices.
After about an hour there were steps
along the hall, and the door opened
and closed, as though the visitor had
taken his leave.
The room was empty when Coulson,
according to custom, carried in the
/ tray with d few sandwiches and glass
of water-the masters invariable sup
] per. But writing materials lay on the
table, books were scattered about as
usual, and concluding that Mr.. Lang
dale was strolling in the garden, the
servant withdrew and presently re-
tired to bed
Next day, there was no sign of
Geohfrey Langdale. Upon half sheet
of paper he had written, I give and
bequeath all of which die possessed
To-" There the "will' ended.
The police were of opinion that the
hermit had drowned himself, and the
canal was drag9ed-with no result. A
search was made for many and many
a mile round that part of the country,
but the master of the chateau was un-
discoverable either alive or dead.
The next monthly letter was sent
back through the postoffice; the Coul-
sons packed up their personal belong
ings and departed in haste from the
scene of so unpleasant an occurrence.
The civil authorities closed the house
and left it to its fate. Thus by slow
degrees it dwindled from a chateau
into Spookerij.
The Flemish are very superstitious
They firmly believe that Geoffrey
Langdale was only spirit sent back
to earth in human form to expiate
some crime of early life. They say
that the mysterious guest must have
brought him his release and summons
whether to celestial regions or other
wise has often been the subject o
heated argument.
But others think that he is not
really dead, and some day may see fit
to make temperance.
My story--so far as it goes-is true.