The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1909-02-17
Tom Murphy

tcopyrisht. 1909 by American Press Asso-
oiatlon.l
Tom Murphy, cabman, sat dozing
on his box before the St Charles ho-
tel in New Orleans. 1t was near mid
night, and there were few people pass
Ing. AS q town clock struck II the
cabman felt touch on his shoulder.
About that touch there was something
singular-yery singular. 1t was as If
the 1nger that tapped his shoulder
was an icicle and at every tap was
driven deep into the flesh, distributing
over the body deathly chill Start
ing up, the cabman saw a young man
beside him with narrow box about a
yard long under his arm. He was
dressed peculiarly. He wore benver
hat very high in the crown, 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 bis boots Without a
word the fare stepped into the cab.
saying as he did so:
1.-THE oaks"
The oaks were 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 cabman knew very well
where 1t was and. threading his way
till be came to the shell road traversed
It till he drew up under the branches
OF one Of its great trees. The gentle
man stepped ont 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.
"WeIl. ORR be jlngedw remarked
the cabrnan as he watched the retreat
ing figure ''Oiye seen a pictur' O
that fella somewheres, and / can't
tell where" 1t was on a fashion plate
in tailor's window giving styles for
1890 Look at the fuzzy yellow hat
on himw
While he was meditating another
cab came along. passed In a 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 1t no more.
His curiosity was excited If another
cabman could drive In among the oaks
be could. Touching his horse with his
whip. he turned in between the trees,
proceeding cautiously But 1t was dark
in there. and he soon came to a sud-
den stop by his front axle striking a
tree. He backed out, tried It again and
was coming upon an open space when
he drew rein.
The full moon, which had been hid
den under thick cloud. suddenly APP
reared and shone upon the space re-
ferred to. Two dim figures stood in
Is center, while Two others stood apart.
At first they were all comparatively
distinct, and Murphy could see the cen
trail figures. each putting himself In an
attitude of defense, as IL 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 q woman's shrek. and all was
still.
Murphy felt all the horror he expe-
rienced when his fare touched him on |
the shoulder. jumping down from bis I
box, he ran short distance. then, pull
Ing himself together went back, and.
taking his horse by the bride. got him |
out to the tree under which he had /
stood. Remounting his box. he sat |
waiting, crossing himself and NUM-
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 behind /
a cloud, he saw carriage pass in
which were two people, one lady, I
young and beautiful By her side. her
arms about him and his head resting
on her shoulder. was young man on !
whose face the moon shining showed