The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-08-01

tunity OF using It. proposed waiting I'M
til the evening. and then we could get
up on the branches Of an old pear tree
which grew at the end of their garden.
He thought this a capital idea. as
reading the book under those circum-
stances would add greatly to the excite
ment; SO the lantern was carefully tied
up during the day. along with the book
and a box OF matches, to one of the up
per branches OF the tree, and then. our
preparations being complete. I was in
vited round the next day to tea
1T was late autumn. and quite dark
by the time tea was over, and we two
quietly went of and made our way to
4 the tree. and. having climbed it and
found a comfortable seat, I lit the lam
tern and held it so that the disc Of light
fell on the book. while my companion,
! perched on another branch. read in a
subdued voice some OF the creepy. blood
curdling tales. until he was. as a matter
/ Of fact, afraid TO read any more.
Now 1t SO happened that his cousin.
rather romping girl of about seventeen,
was staying with his family on a visit.
She had noticed US youngsters prowlins
round about the tree on the previous
day. and, after tea. not finding us any
where about the house. she shrewdly
guessed we were up to some lark or
other. She suddenly thought OF the tree.
so. putting q dark table cover over her
head to prevent herself being seen. she
picked up a clothes prop and sought out
our hiding place.
I'VE. up among the branches. had
nearly finished a most exciting yarn. and
were doubtless both in very shaky con-
dltion OF nerves. when suddenly a fear
full yell from the darkness below. follow
ed by a couple OF sharp Whacks from the
clothes prop on the tree itself, startled
US weIl-nigh out OF our wits. and We let I
go our hold and fell over-lamp. book.
and all-in a heap onto the grass below. |
while she ran of laughing indoors to tell
Of the fright she had given u.s."
'Ah. the fright had was much more
serious than that" said my companion. !
When 1 was about eight or nine years
Of age was sent on a visit to some
friends In the country who resided in an
old-fashioned rambling sort OF house /
known as The Grange.'--~-> .s-' -., 49,
TT was one Of those rambling old
places with long passages and staircases
leading from one part of the building TO
another, and, being a very timid boy. l
dreaded going along these dark passages
night came on, to keep with some Of the
family.
For the old place was supposed to be
haunted, and they had had great diff
Guilty in getting servants TO stop. One
of the maids was. I think. almost as
timid as myself, yet, strange to say. very
fond of telling ghost stories. She could
scarcely he induced to go about the
house alone at night. and rather than do
so. on a particular Saturday night. she
had asked me to accompany her. and in
the meanwhile told me some creepy tales
which so worked me up that l felt al
most afraid TO look behind me.
1T was just as she was telling me
about two skeleton hands that fiickered
dDOut lHt place llldl Some one
calling me TO supper and in a very nerv-
GUS state l started off along the dark ,
passage that ended in a fight of stairs
leading to the dining-room
Il had scarcely reached the end of this
passage. when, to my horror. I saw a
tall figure in white. with a fearful face. {
and carrying a lighted candle held above
Its head. coming down the stairs toward
me.
Ell al, y1ytfh 10
came down slowly. with a noiseless
tread. and passed me. and then. gliding
round the corner, disappeared through
the door Of the room I had just left.
Almost Immediately I heard the maid
scream. and. somewhat recovering my
scattered senses, dashed up the flight
If stairs and. bursting into the room
where the family sat at supper. I cried
,ut that had seen a ghost.
Nonsense said one; but seeing how
frightened was, and expecting some
Tick. they all rose and hurried down.
tatrs in . body, there to find the maid
n a faint, with the ghost (alias another
ervanO trying to bring her round with
he aid Of some cold water.
II was seriously Ill for some time after
doctor said 1t was through
hock-and I've been nervous ever since:
Tut We drffted into this subject through
alking Of eea-sickness. I can hear the
ngines moving now; and there goes the
iren," said he, a. the whistle blew. Il
hink I'll turn in at once. before We get
nto rougher water
I found my berth was opposite mis-. and
was not very long before was fast
sleep.
The sun was shining brightly on my
waking the following morning. As
,oked round the n-st thing I noticed
'as my stout companion comfortably
sleep on his back.
was Just turning out when he reused
.. Good morning." said he. sitting up:
why, what a splendid nights rest I've
adj This IL the best passage I've made
ct; Two slept right through It all. I'll
ways drink coffee now.
We'll. what's the news this side Of the
Itch" said he, Joking. As tho steward
Ame In to say breakfast was on the
lble. This has been a good passage,
fter allr'
"Oh," replied the man. tho latest
ews, sir. Is. that Just as We started
ut night we smashed our port sponsor.
ID the wheel Jammed: and as II was
lowing hard the skipper decided to re-
ain here for repairs. But we leave In
III IN hourr'
tcnpy1sht b IL Asoctstsd Ltaary PrAJ