Evening journal., 1909-02-13
Tom Murphy Fare.

Oatt ''s~s fJ W We
copyright. 1909. by American Press Asso-
ciation.l
Tom Murphy. a cabman, sat doing
on his box before the st. Charles ho-
tel in New Orleans. II was near mid
night, and there were few people pass
ing. AS a town clock struck 10 the
cabman felt touch on his shoulder.
About that touch there was something
singular-very singular 1t was as If
the finger that tapped his shoulder
was an icicle and at every tap was
driven deep into the flesh, distributing
over the body a deathly chill Start
ing up, the cabman saw a young man
beside him with a narrow box about
yard long under his arm. He was
dressed peculiarly. He wore a beaver
hat very high in the crown, a stiff high
shirt collar, coat with brass buttons,
small in the waist and flowing In the
skirt: pantaloons skin tight and strap
ped down over his boots. Without a
word the fare stepped into the cab
saying as he did so:
1.-THE oaks"
The oaks were a grove situated on
the outskirts of the city where in ante
bellum days. when New Orleans was
hotbed for duels, the bloods of the
town were accustomed to settle their
disputes. The csbman knew very well
where It was and, threading his way
till he came 10 the shell road. traversed
It till he drew up under the branches
OF one of its great trees. The gentle
man stepped out and with the injunc-
ton TO the cabman to wait where he
was still carrying the box under his
arm, plunged into the heart Of the
grove.
"Well, ORR be iingedw remarked
the cabman as he watched the retreat
ing figure. "Oi've seen a pictur O.
that fella somewheres, and l can't
tell where" It was on a fashion plate
in a tailors window giving styles for
1880. Look at the fuzzy yellow hat
on him.
While he was meditatlng another
cab came along. passed in hurry and
turned into the grove farther on. Cab
by listened to the sound Of the wheels
deadened by grass and fallen leaves
and in few minutes heard It no more.
His curiosity was excited. II another
cabman could drive in among the oaks
he could. Touching his horse with his
whip. he turned in between the trees,
] 1 a al
/ in there. and he soon came TO a sud
den stop by bis front axle striking a
tree. He backed out. tried it again and
was coming upon an open space when
he drew rein.
The fun moon, which had been hid
den under a thick cloud. suddenly ap
/ peared and shone upon the space re-
ferred TO. Two dim figures stood in
It's center. while two others stood apart
At first they were all comparatively
distinct. and Murphy could see the cen
tral figures, each putting himself in an
attitude Of defense, as If about to fight
while the others were looking on. Then
another cloud rolled over the moon
and all was dark again. But he could
hear the clash Of steel. Presently there
was womans shrek. and all was
still.
Murphy felt all the horror he expo
rienced when his fare touched him OF
the-shoulder Jumping down from his
box. he ran q short distance, then, pull
ing himself together, went back. and
taking his horse by the bride. got hin
out TO the tree under which he haC
stood. Remounting his box, he sa
waiting, crossing himself and mum
bling Paternosters and Ave Marias
He was there perhaps ten minutes
when he heard the sound Of approach
Ing wheels, and when they came near
the moon again appearing from behinC
a cloud, he saw a carriage pass il
which were two people, one a lady
young and beautiful. By her side, he
arms about him and his head restinl
on her shoulder was young man OF
whose face the moon shining Shove,
It to be white as death and under hi
open vest blood on his shirt front. He
costume was peculiar. especially in he
headgear, which was bonnet, an arti
Gle Murphy had never seen. The.
passed like fash. and he was recalle'
to himself by his fare opening the ca
door and uttering the single word:
Back"
The cabman drove TO the city and u
TO the steps OF the St Charles hote
He supposed that the gentleman VIII
had not thus far troubled him to ope
the cab door for him would align
of himself After waiting a moment
hearlrc no movement within his cal