The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1905-10-13
THE SPIRIT OF DAN.

The sun was getting lower In the Heavens. An
hour or two and the evening shadows would fall.
The valley of Virginia never presented more
beautiful appearance. save for the glorious sun
set which would present a scene OF rare beauty.
The gentle sloping sides of the mountains, the
ripping of the waters in the stream beneath,
the footing and rumbling of the trains across
the bridge spanning the stream, the dancing OF
the wild flowers strewing the mountain sides,
an air of perfume. of sweetness. swept over the
valley all adding to the same of beautiful old
plantation home, surrounded by an artistically
arranged flower garden. A portico supported by
two immense columns, graced the front of the
mansion, tall in height and deep In breadth.
A fight Of four or five steps led up to the porch
upon which was young lady. gracefully seated
In an easy rocking chair, reading newspaper
She glanced above the paper down into the valley
at departing train, putting its way up Il grade
into tunnel beneath the mountain and through
row of tall cedars to the left she noticed buggy
coming up the road towards the house. Failing
to recognize 1t, she watched it closely as it ad.
yanced up the gravel path. When it came into
plain view she noticed gentleman seated in the
buggy, surrounded by u photographers outfit.
He drove up to the house and alighting, tied his
horse and walked up the steps leading to the
porch, at the same time gracefully dofing his hat
Does Mr. Carswell live here?'
EYES, SIR
"Is he at homer" 5,
eyes, sir. Won't you come in?"
"No, thank you, shall remain here"
The young lady entered the house and in a few
moments Mr.. Carswel was at the door.
"Mr. Carswell?" asked the stranger.
ayes, sir"
"well, am Parkins, of Parkigs' Studio, Rich.
mond. am commissioned by the Blank Pub
fishing Company, of Philadelphia. to obtain
photographs OF old plantation mansions of Vir-
ginia, for a work which they are about to pub
lish. l came to ask your permission to take q
photograph of your home and get history of it,,
as understand it came to you by inheritance.
1t shall not cost you a penny, sir. The Blank
Company will present you with several copies of
the work for your trouble. should be delighted
to include in the picture not only yourself but
your family"
Mr.. Carswell thought 1t too late in the evening
to make good picture but after being assured by
Parkins that a very satisfactory one could be
made, he readily gave his consent Mr.. Carswell
departed into the house to inform the family and
Parkins soon became busy adjusting his camera.
r..
doors leading onto the porch. followed by his
wife and two daughters. In making the group
Parkins seated Mr.. Carswell on the steps in front
of the right hand column supporting the portico.
while his wife occupied similar position in front
of the left one. Miss Amy was seated on the upper
step, in the middle of the porch, while Jennie,
the youngest daughter, stood with her back to
the large double doors which were closed.
d.. f,x sIxro Daob od
Parkins
"All that's living. sir. just buried my son
Daniel a week ago." said Mr.. Carswell.
81 am sorry he is not replied Parkins. but
noticing Miss Jennie about to break down upon
the mention of her brothers name he hastily
dropped the conversation and remarked "look
pleasant" squeezed the air bulb connected with
the camera and said "all over"
In conversation with Mr.. Carswell before he left,
it was agreed Mr.. Carswell was to send to the
Blank Publishing Company sketch of the old
home at his earliest convenience. Parkins re.
turned to his Stndio In Richmond and the next
day developed the picture in the dark room. In
examining it he noticed what looked to be a dis
igurement over the head of Miss Jennie. Observ.
ing 1t more closely in better light he discovered
the faint outlines of the figure of young man
stanQlng DeninQ Miss jennie Win DOtu uduus
resting on her shoulders.
Parkins was surprised and puzzled for he remen-
bered that Mr.. carswell was the only man in the
group. He decided to write to him about the
phenomenon and send also proof. But upon re-
Election he decided to go and see Mr.. Carsweli
himself. The next morning. few hours ride
landed him near the carswsll mansion. and walk
ing up to the house. raped. Miss Jennie answer
ed the summons. Parkins asked to see her father
but was informed that she was the only member
of the family at home. He told her OF the phenom-
enon. She walked to the edge of the porch where
. better light could be procured in viewing the
picture, gave . hasty glance at herself and the
form behind her and screaming "my brother" fell
fainting in Parkins arms
(Conckuded mart Ueek.