Rural Retreat times. [volume] (Rural Retreat, Va.) 1892-1918, 1902-04-11


his appearance attired in bran-new
suit, and high collar that raspcd his
chin whenever he turned his head. He
waited in the parlor till Winnie com.
pleted her preparations. When she APP
peared he presented her with small I
bouquet Of his mothers geraniums and
bag Of peppermint lozcngcs Winnie
accepted these offerings with smile
that made Bob's heart beat rap
turously.
Then they started for the school
house. little snow had fallen, Gov
ering the brown fields, and powdering
lightly the green foliage of pine and
cedar; little patches of it chung to the
bare boughs of other trees, as If to
cover their wintry nakedness. The
moon had not yet risen, but the light
OF the faded day seemed to lineer over
the landscape.
beautiful night, isn't itp. remarked
nop, holding open the gate for Winnie
to pass through
Yes" answered Winnie. carelesslv.
Don't the bushes look pretty drifted
with snow?" went on Bob.
-, IiaA MS were something unl-
suai from Bob, who, as a rule. main.
oained strict silence till Winnie. in
desperation, made some comment on
she Weatner. Bob was evidently worl,.
ing himself up into sentimental mood
ana there was no telling to what n
would lead. ' ~
how gaostly Indian hill looks. suo.
gested Winnie, glancing toward tie
haunted spot, white and desolate in the
twilight. - ''''
Bob looked toward the place md
shivered involuntarily, as the manu
stories concerning it required to him
Did you ever see the Indian chief
that haunts the hill3" continued Win
ME, wiclzedly.
mo, never did, but lots of people
have" said Bob. sit is sure sion Of
bad luck, they say; Uncle Sam Gibson
saw him d few nights before he broke
his leg, and Joe Smith just before his
house burned"
st would be great experience to
sec a ghost, though. almost wish he
would make his appearance now," re
marked Winnie. But her companion
shuddered at he very thought.
They soon reched the sehoolhouse
where Winnie escaped from her escort
and sought the society of some friends
The pupils of the rival schools tool
their places on the floor, and spelled
without intermission till they were al
tired out. Then everybody prepared t.
set out for home.
Lets follow the path across Thu
fields" proposed Winnie, as they wer
leaving. Its ever SO much nearer"
"But that leads right past Ind:al
hill, !" objected Bob.
g s'You aren't afraid?" demanded Win
ME, scornfully.
mo. I'm not" declared Bob. some
what nettled. II was only thinking yo
might be-"
So across the fields they went. Bo
derived some satisfaction for the insul
offered him in the pleasure of assistin.
Winnie over the fences. AS they drew
near the haunted spot, Winnie hersel
felt anything bat bold and, fixing hel
eyes on the lights of her home CLEAN.
ing in the distance, she hurried along
as fast as even Bob wished to go.
They were crossing the last fence at
the very foot of the hill, when Winnie,
standing on the fence, with her hands
on the top rail, involuntarily raised her
eyes. Instantly they fell upon an OBJ
ject terrifJ ing to the boldest heart.
Outlined against the sky was tall,
dark figure, seemingly wrapped in a
white blanket, and decked about the
head with feathers. The old chief was |
keeping his silent vigil over his sleep
ing braves.
Winnie uttered an inarticulate cry
and pointed with trembling finger
toward the hill. Bob raised his eyes
and saw the specter. For an instant
be stared at it with gaping mouth.
and then, with yell of terror. turned
and fed.
Winnie, left to her fate, started to
'ollow But, getting the better OF her
right, she checked herself, and turned
o get another view of the apparition.
When she had done so, despite the fact
hat she was alone at that hour of mid
ight in q haunted locality, she sat
own and laughed more heartily than
i1C ldNt SFSN 1buS5 iSNa DC1OlC III ilCl LILO. I
OR the ghost was only blackened
lump, partly covered with snow, and
lose beside it grew a cedar shrub,
whose bushy top had formed the feath-
ry headdress. Seen from the fence
he perspective was just right to pre-
ent to the excited vision the exact ap-
earance of the Indian ghost as 1t was
o often described.
why. Miss Ford, what is the mat
err"
1t was Ridley's voice that interrupted
Ninnie's fit of laughter. He, too, had
the shortest road, and was
much surprised to come upon Winnie
.lone by the wayside. Controlling her
nirtb, she explained the situation.
Then she invited him to go back to the
fence and have look at the ghost"
RILEY was much amused, and said
the object was startling. He didn't
blame Bob for getting frightened
would have been so himself. but
don't think I should have deserted
you," he added; and Winnie believed
so, too.
However, both of them were disposed
To forgive Rob aS he had piven them