Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1903-03-05

clining chair, was buried in
thought. I had just dropped
in for a brief visit, and his action was
not meant to be disrespectful to me. l
was aware OF the peculiarities of my
friends character, and knew that he
had uneonsciously fallen into q brown
study. But it was for few moments
only. Suddenly arousing himself as
though he had then discovered my
presence in the room, he remarked in
quiet draWl:
did / ever tell you OF a weird ex-
perience which befell me while cross
ing the Gulf?"
replied that had not had the pleas
ure Of hearing his story, and assured
him that I was waiting for him to
open up. As / have intimated, my
friend had some peculiarities which
would give a stranger the impression
that he was queer" But those who
had lis frie9dship knew that no saner
being lived and no more loyal friend
ever walked the earth. So, before be-
ginning the narrative, he turned down
the lamp until the room was clothed
In funereal gloom, at the same time
remarking, "Darknees makes the best
to relate,
"Some years ago. he said. when he
mad resumed his seat, II had occasion
to make trip from New York to
Galveston, Texas, by way Of the Gulf
OF Mexico. My object was partly
business and partly pleasure. sailed
on one Of the steamers of a line which
plies regularly between the two ports.
For some reason was given what
was called the bridal stateroom, which
contained a fine wide berth, mirror,
writing desk in one corner, chair
and hooks for hanging clothes on. 1t
was nicely decorated and had every
appearance of what call luxurious
comfort. I congratulated myself upon
my quarters, but, as you shall see, /
was premature with my congratula-
tons. :.
''rhc weather was delightfully."- fair
until we were near the Gulf, and
nothing unusual had occurred Then
the Captain noticed disquieting signs
upon the horizon which warned him
that a severe storm was approaching.
Inc sea began to roll heavily, while
the ship lurehed in manner that was
sufficient to give seasickness to even
1he most veteran sailor. When dark
ness enveloped the sea and all thereon
"a herce Gulf storm had developed
With every Indication that 1t would
continue through the night.
While the raging of the clements
oesgared description, the sight being
que that awed me and which never
expect to witness again, we had n(
iear as the steamer was stauncl
throughout. Her engines were new
ahd powerful. and her skipper was
'ohg versed in the moods Of the water
'h Which We were sailing. But thu
storfn grew into a gale. The w1nt
pew with hurricane force, perfec
sneet OF rain fell for hours, while tht
nose waves swept the decks with ever
Increasing violence. T believe I was
a'e only person aboard that revelles
4h this grand outburst of natura
Aofces and SO much did l enjoy ths
UNUSUAL experience that I did not tur,
Ali until nearly midnight.
ouflng the night, how soon afte
mad fallen asleep I do not know,
woke An uncanny feeling took pos
seSSlon OF me, while my attention wa
,eitcd ~ to the bottom of the bert1
", %neFe a transparent light seemed t.
SOW Gradually the bust, clad il
+olAe hgnt drapery, and face of one O
S-'e NEST beautiful women I have see1
TT'~eFSed With startling distinctness
studied the apparition fol- a few
+iu'es, - and when my brain was abl
"ofh l reasoned that whatever
"s 1t could not harm me. CYou Knoy
r,l W LOT believe in ghosts or in any
's suggestive OF the supeTnatpral