The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1911-01-05


spirit moved ii seemed TO scatter gloom
and mystery
1t was shrouded in a deep black gar.
ment, which concealed its head, its
face, its form. and left nothing OF IL
visible save one ouistretched hand.
But for this it would have been diff
cult to detach its figure from the night
and separate 1t from the darkness by
which 1t was surrounded
He felt that 1t was tall and stately
when it came beside him and that its
mysterious presence filled him with a
solemn dread. He knew no more, for
the spirit neither spoke nor moved.
Il 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. lis that so. spirit p
The upper portion of the garment
was contracted for an instant In its
folds. as If the spirit had inclined its
head. That was the only answer he
received.
Although well used to ghostly com
pany by this time, Scrooge feared the
silent shape so much that his legs
trembled beneath him. and he found
that he could hardly stand when be
prepared to follow it. The spirit
paused a moment, as observing bis
condition and giving him time to re
cover.
But Scrooge was all the worse fol
this. 1t thrilled him with a vague
uncertain horror to know that behind
the dusky shroud there were ghostly
eyes intently fixed upon him. while he
though be stretched his own to the ut
most. could see nothing but a spectra
hand and one great heap Of black.
Ghost of the Future" he exclaimed
81 fear you more than any specter
have seen. But, as | know your pur
pose is to do me good and as l Eop'
to be another man from what | was,
am prepared to bear you company ant
do it with a thankful heart. Will yot
not speak to me?"
1t gave him no reply. The hand wal
pointed straight before them.
Lead on" said Scrooge, lead on
The night is waning fast. and It Is pre-
cious time to me. ! know. Lead on
spirit"
The phantom moved away as IL ha'
come toward him. Scrooge followed II
the shadow of it's dress. which bore hin
up, b. thought. and carried him along
They scarcely seemed 10 enter tn
city, for the city rather seemed 4
spring up about them and encompass
them of It's own act But there the,
were in the heart Of 1t. on change
among the merchants. win" hurrie'
mp and down and chinkrd the none,
In their pockets. and conversrd Il
groups. and loot. d at their watches
and trified thoGghtfuIiy with thei
great gold seals. and 50 forth. a
fScrooge had seen hem often
The spirit stopped beside one littl
knot of business men. Observing that
one hand was pointed to them, Scrooge
| advanced to listen to their talk.
NO." said great fat man with O
monstrous chin; Il dc1't know much
about it either way. | only know he's
dead"
when did he der inquired anoth
! or.
| Last night. l believe"
Will
: himY' asked a third. taking a vas
quantity OF snuff out Of a very large
snuHbox. 81 thought he'd never die"
/ God knows" said the hrst. with q
| yawn.
what has he done with his money!
| asked a red faced gentleman with q
pendulous excrescence on the end OF hi'
/ nose that shook like the gills OF tur
/ key cock.
81 haven't heard" said the man with
I the large chin. yawning again. LIEF
It to bis company. perhaps. He hasn'i
left 1t TO me. That's all | know"
/ This pleasantly was received with
general laugh.
ITS likely to be very cheap tuner
al" said the same speaker. 'for upor
nv life don't know OF anybody 10 81
to It Suppose we make up part;
and volunteer"
II don't mind going II a lunch i
provided" observed the gentleman
with the excrescence on bis nose "Bu
/ must be fed. II / make one.
Another laughed
well. | am the most dIsinteresfec
among you, after ALL" said the frs
speaker, for never wear Diacs
gloves. and / never eat lunch Bot IL
offer 10 go If anybody else Will "neI
I come to think Of IL. I'm not al al
sure that / wasn't his most particular
CONTINUED on fourth paee)