The Washington herald., 1908-06-21

London. June 20-The generally quiet
and sedate little town Of Leughton Is
unusually excited over a series OF mys-
terious incidents that have happened in
the neighborhood. The facts are bewiI-
dering and inexplicable. and the subject
Is the main theme Of conversation in the
streets and shops.
People passing through that part OF
Epping forest known as Warren Hill late
In the evening have been the victims or
strange assaults. but the closest investl-
cation has failed 70 disclose the assanent.
Many fruitless efforts have been made 10
solve the mystery. but the whole affair IS
so remarkable that many people in the
district attribute it to the supernatural.
The first unusual happening was about
ten nights ago Three gentlemen were
walking toward Loughton few minutes
before II o'clock. when one Of them was
struck in the face, apparently by a stone
or q clOd OF earth. He received a severe
bruise. and he had his friends make a
most dilligent search for their assailant,
but without finding any one.
COnstnbIe's Adventure.
A few nights later another gentleman
was passing the same place at about
le;o9 when he received a violent blow
between the shoulders. AS he was unac-
companied. he did not stop 20 investigate.
but left the place as hurriedly as posi-
| bic and complained 10 the police. The
next evening the inspector sent a consta-
/ bic 20 investigate the matter. and TO ar
rest the offender, whether man or spirit.
If he could find him
The policeman hid behind bush and
awaited events. but the ghostIy assailant
evidently had little respect for the law.
/ Tie mans vigil was rudely interrupted
/ by blow in the face, the force OF which
| is indicated by a scar which still re-
mains
He stepped aside, only 10 have his he'll
met nearly knocked of his head. Inspec-
! ton subsequently showed the helmet 10
have several long claw-lIke scratches
down the side. The man rushed among
the bushes, but no sign OF his assallant
could be found
Another victim was Miss Lillian Dowsa.
a girl Of eighteen who lives about half
way between Epping forest and Lough-
night when she was attacked She states
/ that she was suddenly caught by the
/ hair and struck in the face. She shouted
/ for help. and a laborer who was passing
ran 10 her assistance. Miss Dowse re-
/ ceived several cuts on the face but again
! no trace OF the offender could be found
party Of about "a dozen young men
/ determined a few nights ago 20 copture
/ the ghostly hooHgan OF the forest For
i half an hour nothing happened. and then
/ with the same silent swiftness that had
! characterized the previous assaults the
! attack came. In a fash one OF the band
| received a severe blow in the face. His
/ companions searched the nelghborhood.
\ but without success.
Hat Knocked on.
James Frampton. a Iaborer in the Ching
! ford district was returning home on Sat
/ urday night when ne was attacked az a
! little distance from the spot where Mss
! Dowse states she was assaulted.
IT was about lO.sO.' he stated. II had
! been IN 20 Loughton. and was returning
! TO Chingford. I had heard about the
strange happenings in the forest, and was
/ keeping pretty keen lookout.
/ All OF a sudden something struck my
/ hat at the back and knocked 1t OF.
( swung around. but could see nothing. A
minute later something lightly grazed my
/ left shoulder 7 called out bat for a min
/ ute I heard nothing. Then I distinctly
/ heard what sounded like a low chuckle
/ from the bushes. a little distance on the
right I shouted again. but heard nothing
more"
/ Framptons hat was dented at the back
as though II had been struck by some
/. blunt instrument
/ Many people declare that II is the silly
work Of practical jokers. Others say that
I the stories Of assaults are greatly exag-
1 gerated and that the supposed missiles
are really nothing more than large bats
which have flown against peoples faces
I in the dark and caused scratches.