The Washington times., 1903-07-12

of and smiles in superior way upOr
them both.
But the best part Of his treasures.
though the tobaeconist doesn't know it.
are his STORIES in connection with the
plant. This is a favorite.
Several years ago I rented a big
country house on the outskirts Of the
city for the summer II was 4 queer
old house. built after the English fash
ion with immense doors and rafters and
windows with small panes Of glass. II
was an ideal summer home. and though
1 am bachelor / promised myself
delightful summer. The neighbors told
me that the old house had reputation
for being haunted, but I didn't mind
that a bit, not bit. All houses of the
kind are said 10 be frequented by ghosts.
but 1 never found any Of the visitors
from the other world about them Well
by the by, / have told this 10 num-
Der OF my intimate friends but they
all failed TO see the point Any mes
sages or warnings from the unseen
world should be received. take IL. With
due respect. A man who does not lacks
reverence and proves himself a dolt, 10
say the least. and that is always wrong
and harmful.
"Well. the summer when this uncanny
thing occurred. I can give it no other
name. had hired a man 20 look after
the grounds and 70 do odd Jobs about
the house. The fellow was an Irisn-
man. O'Shaughnessey by name, iOviai
man who dearly loved a good cigar.
was called away hurriedly one after
noon by the news that my brother had
been stricken with paralysis. and I left
Patrick in charge OF the house.
MY brother rallied in a few weeks
and I was able TO return to my summer
retreat Ny brothers illness had wor-
ried me greatly-there are only two of Us
and 1 had not been able 10 get quiet
smoke since I had left l went mme-
diateIy 10 my tin of smoking mixture.
my favorite blend. and there was hardly
a pipefuI left Imagine my surprise 10
find that Of ffty frst-rate cigars-Ga--
cias-there were but dozen remaining.
Pat said I. when he had answered
my ring. who has been at my tobacco%
" 'ssshhhhh,' said the fellow. laying
his finger on his lip and toptoeing about
the room as he drew the portieres and
lowered the shades. -'SpOOks," said he.
In a frightened tone of voice
" .Spooks?' said in surprise, COR With
the terrified look on his face. my IN
strung nerves, and the uncanny repute
Of the old house. I felt cold chill seize
me.
'' 'Yis; spools. ghosts. spirits. ban
shoes. OF whatever else We call tn good
IitteI people in this country
90 oh, come. come, Patrick. You ton't
expect me 20 believe that?'
"' Well said he, in evident dread, I
don't care whether We behave il. I'll tell
We all know an ye can shute yersilf
" Wan day-about = wake afthre ye
LEFT, sorr-I wint up on this fure to see
If everything was roight and toight I
was surprised 10 hear voices comm from
this room. l sneaked uD to the keyhoie
and peeped in. The sight was enough to
turn We could. for a dozen gintlemin was
sittin' in yer chairs drewhn up round
the fireplace as II aach were tn por-
prietur. They were smoking yer cigars
and terbaccc very free like. But what
made me fear was that they wore
clothes like George Washington and
frum tn keyhole I cud look roight
through thin and see the big brass but
tons on the back of their coats. tore
down 70 the first hoor with a shout and
for week I wint upstairs backwards.
ana me neck is that stiff with looking
behind me
." Thin s III felleys that stole yer ter
baCco. sorr. / niver saw thin agin. and
I hope l niver WILL said O'ShaughneS-
sey, cycling me curiously in his fright,
With one hand over his mouth and the
other spread out and hanging beside
him.
Very good. my man. said !. You
may go.
THE story affected me strongly and I
( left the house next day. but not five
minutes after he stole out Of my room
with white face l could hear that mad
lrishman laughing FL 20 XIII himself in
the back garden. II shows how the same
event viii affect different natures.
have never been able to reconcile the
ghosts smoking my tobacco, but take it
as very neat compliment 10 my taste"