The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-02

climbed out of grave he had just dug
 The old man he'd opened many a grave during his long connection with the church, and many of the members of 1t had he gathered in."'
 Only favored few were accorded the privilege of laying away their loved ores in the hollowed spot and the privilege was highly sought and appreciated. As the space was somewhat limited, the graves were not laid side by side, as is now the custom, but each family was aI- lowed one grave. The first interment was made at about 12 feet and when the next bereavement came the grave was re- opened within a foot of the first coffin and so on until the grave was filled. The grave that old Giles had just fin- ished was both wide and deep, as 1t was one of the first nterments, so draw ing out the ladder from the grave and gathering his tools together, old Gilse departed to the little cottage at the gates of the cemetery where he resided alone and contented. As the interment would be held the next morning he left the grave open and unprotected.
 ". NIGHT
 The long twilight. with its lengthening shadows, which added new charm and beauty to the church, had given way 10 the shades of night The few stars tha- twinkled here and there were soon hid den from view by the clouds which ap- peared in the ebon sky and the outlines of the church grew dinner and dim mer in the gathering gloom.
 With net and bags and other parapher- nalia Tom Naylor climbed the iron fence that surrounded the churchyard and stealthily made his way toward the old building
 Notwithstanding the darkness which could almost be felt Tom seemed per- fectly familiar with the place, and wenl boldly forward. Suddenly he disappeared, for, coming to the open grave, and not perceiving it in the darkness, he fell headlong into it, nets and all
 Fortunately he was not hurt by the fall and, recovering his feet, started to climb out. As was said before, the grave was wide and deep and although Torn tried every trick and scheme known to physical torture. or culture, which is practically the same thing, his efforts were unavailing and he signally failed to get out
 Realizing tEat further efforts were use less. his philosophical mind came to his relief, so deciding to make the best of it, he lay down on his nets and bags to sleep until morning.
 As he lay dozng, half asleep and half awake. his quick ear detected the sound of approaching footsteps. Springing to his feet he was just about to cry for assistance, when another human being fell into the same grave.
 Toms eyes being accustomed to the darkness at this time, saw at glance that the newcomer was a rival in the sparrow catching business. Like flash it came to his mind to have a little fun at the expense of his rival, who was totally unaware that he had a partner 1scf~A -1& T,,, the last victim picked himself up with a muttered curse, Tom. using his most sepuchral tones, said: Its pretty come off when they won't let a man rest in his grave"
 Now Tom had tried for fully an hour to get out of his earthly prison without success, but he scarcely had the above words out of his mouth than with a ter rif1ed shriek the late conner scrambled out of that grave as though he were mounting ladder or stairway. He left behind all his paraphernalia and Tom could hear his retreating footsteps as he dashed across the cemetery uttering a yell at every bound Despite his own situation Tom fairly how1ed at the recol- lection of the frenzied scramble and ter rified shrieks of his late brother in mis- fortune.
 When daylight came he found that not only had the fellow left his nets, but that he had already made haul and the bags were full of the little birds they both were seeking.
 Finally old Giles appeared. and, as there was an understanding between him and Tom, ladder quickly rescued him and as Tom put all the lawful sports of warfare" in his own nets.
 The next day while sitting in the cozy parlor of the Sheath and Sickle Tom related his recent experience to a high ly appreciative audience, among whom was old Giles. q don't see how a man could ha' gotten out of that grave" said the ancient one, 'onless he had wings
 ''Well. I suppose he did fly'' replied Tom, lon the wings of fear"