Putnam patriot., 1915-01-15

'Nof HNelN any one knoW. W nere are you:"
 told him. and be agreed to send over certain papers to me by meSsen- ger. These arrived promptly. and studied them carefully until nearly train time. getting all the facts firmly implanted in my mind Mrs Bernard and met beneath the grim shadow of the train shed
 At first. as she came toward me through the crowd near the gate holding ont neatly gloved band. | could scarcels realize that this well dressed soft voiced lady was the former homeless creature.
 'So you did not even know me" she said pleasantly "oh, but you did not You were passing hy when spoke Don't apologize for really take 1t as the highest compliment You are wonderfully improved yourself. Is this our traing"
 Yes" and l took up the grip she designated as hers. Let us get set tied and into the diner. for l am hungry as wolf.
 had procured opposite sections. and before retiring we studied the pa- pers. together with Nairs letter of in struetions. and Shns came to q com plete understanding. She was quick witted and spoke frankly and yet when | finally lay down in my berth | felt less well acquainted with her than before Somehow in manner ineXplainahl hle. a vague barrier had arisen between us. 1 could not trace it to any word or action on her part and vet l felt held away as by an in- visible hand Her very eordiality ex- hihited reserve which made me clearly comprehend that the slightest familiarity would He checked
 II was at the close If the following afternoon when our tram reached Car rollton The depot must have been mile from the town and very few peo- pe were upon the platform. two drum mers and ourselves the only ones to asemhark The travelAg men hasten ed to the nearest hack while | glanced about in search of conveyance The only other vehicle present was q two seated surrey. driven by q rather dis reputable negro approached in some doubt
 aNo. sahn he sad grinning Dis yere am my own currldge, sah: tain't nothin ter do wid de Henley planta- tion 1 reckon dey done didn't git no telegram reckon you'se Massa Phil ip Heney. sah. though you've sure growed some Since l saw you de las time. Is el' Pete. sah. l reckon you remembers ol' Pete "Of course do." l returned heartily, encouraged by his words to believe would lasS muster. Can you drive us out:'
 The negro scratched his head. T reckon as how l can, sab, least wise so far as ther gate. It's going to be plum dark when We gifts dar. an dis nigger don't fool round dar none In de dark
 '.Why. what's the trouble. Petep
 Cause ol Massa Henleys ghost was hangin' round, sahr
 "Oh. pshaw." laughed, turning to- ward the silent girl. We will risk the ghost if you'll drive us out. Put in the grips
 He climbed into his place. but with no special alaefity. but whipped his team into q swift trot. evidently anx- ious to complete the trip as early as possible.
 Pete" I asked. "who is out there now?'
 The negro turned so l could see the whites of his eyes.
 At de Henley plantation, sah? Why, reckon de oberseer an' de house keeper-both white folks. l done don't know just who dey am fer shure, cause dey don't stay long no more. I reckon dey can't abide dat ghost, sah. an de field hans dey won't stay on de place at all affer dark
 "The overseer and housekeeper. then, are newly employedf'
 Dem am de fac's, sah. Deh ain't been dar no time at all, an l reckon as how dey won't stay long, though de niggers say de oberseer am bad man."
 Here was a pleasant situation sure ly. While the conditions were favor able enough so far as our purpose was concerned, yet l fervently wished we had postponed our arrival until day light While the negros ghost had no terrors for me-indeed. merely afford ed amusement--I realized my compnn ion was not so indifferent. She press ed closer to me in the narrow seat, her eyes on the dusky shadows. Soon 1t became quite dark. l endeavored to laugh away her fears. but got little response The road was lonely one, although apparently well travelled Dor dered by rail fences and deserted look ing fields.
 Suddenly the negro pulled up before high hedge. and I perceived the white glinmer of q gate opposite us, the black shadow of trees beyond.
 We had no sooner alighted and paid Pete than he wheeled his team and departed, whipping the horses into a run. felt her hand grip my sleeve and glanced aside into her face.
 Enlightened? I asked. endeavoring to speak easily Don't let that fellow bother you; surely you do not believe in spooksT'
 "No." her voice trembling. but it is all so desolate. l-I wish we had waited until daylight"
 Well, frankly. so do l." responded, but come on" and l picked mp the suit cases. We will probably be laughing at ourselves in five minutes You will have to unlatch the gate.