The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1910-12-29

'ne very sh
y through which this
spirit moved 1t seemed to scatter gloom
and mystery.
II was shrouded In a deep black gar
ment. which concealed Its head. Its
face, its form. and left nothing Of 1t
visible save one outstretched hand.
Bot for this 1t would have been diff
cult TO detach It's figure from the night
and separate 1t from the darkness by
which 1t was surrounded.
He felt that II was tall and stately
when II came beside him and that It's
i mysterious presence filed him with
ksolemn dread. De knew no more. for
Se spirit neither spoke nor moved.
e~l am in the presence of the Ghost OF
christmas Yet to Gomez" said Scrooge.
~ The spirit answered not. but pointed
downward With Its hand.
you are about to show me shadows
Of the things that have not happened.
but will happen in the time before u.s."
Scrooge pursued. "ls that so. spirit"
The upper portion Of the garment
was contracted for an instant in its
folds. as If the spirit bad inclined it's
head. That was the only answer be
received
Although we'll used to ghostly COM
!. pany by this time. Scrooge feared the
siient shape so much that his legs
strembled beneath him. and he found
ks1t be could hardly stand when he
{uhared to follow 1t. The spirit
ied d moment. as observing his
ftion and giving him time to re-
kHut Scrooge was all the worse for
$t,~ II thrilled him with vague.
xnEertain horror to know that behind
fthe dusky shroud there were ghosuy
eyes inteptly fixed upon him. while he.
though he stretched his own to the ut
most. could see nothing but spectral
hand and one great heap Of black.
& Ghost Of the Future" he exclaimed.
II fear you more than any specter |
have seen. But. as I know your pur-
pose is to do me good and as ! hope
to be another man from what l was.
am prepared to bear you company anG
do It with thankful heart. Will you
not speak to me?"
1t gave him no reply. The hand was
pointed straight before them.
Lead on" said Scrooge. "lead on.
( The night is waning fast, and 1t is pre-
cious time to me. ! know. Lead on.
spirit"
The phantom moved away as 1t had
come toward him. Scrooge followed In
the shadow of its dress. which bore him
up. he thought. and carried him along.
They scarcely seemed to enter the
city, for the city rather seemed to
spring up about them and encompass
them of its owp act But there they
were In the heart Of 1t. on change.
among the merchants. who hurried
up and down and chinked the money
in their pockets. and conversed In
groups. and looked at their watches.
and, trifed thoughtfully with theE
great gold seals. and so forth. ss
Scrooge bad seen them often.
The spirit stopped beside one little
knot of business men. Observing that
one hand was pointed to them. Scrooge
advanced to listen TO their talk.
-No." said a great fat man with q
monstrous chin; - don't know much
about 1t either way. ! only know he's
dead"
.When did he diey' inquired anoth-
er.
LAST night. l believe"
"Why. what was the matter with
himr. asked third. taking vast
4 ouan,ity of snuff out OF very large
Z suuffbox. Il thought he'd never die.
God knows" said the first. with a
yawn.
.Wharfsas he done with his money!:
asked n red faced gentleman with
!. nepdulous eScrescence on the end OF his
= ro.e that shook like the Gills Of tur'
key cock
~ ,bnven't heard" said the man with
the chin. yawning again. Left
it totiHs company. perhaps. He hasn't
,ef, il 10 me That's all know.
This pleasantly WIS received with Il
general laugh
..l,.s likely 10 be very cheap fuHer
al" said the same speaker. for upon
NV rfe don't know Of anybody to ."
I 10 it SunpoSr we make up parry
and vo'ralr"i , :.
: i don't m:"d aYirs il lunch Is
nr,y:dod." Observed the gentleman
Nth Tie exvrrscence GA his nose. But