The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-04-03
The EDening Story
A Springtime Ghost.
nv Marian Percy.)

the reputation of being haunted. Juu-
son, real estate arbiter of Princess
Beach, looked as if he regretted the
unfortunate SAVIOR of popular preju-
dice, but was powerless to avert it.
I'VE couldn't rent it to a good GUS
toner without hurting ourselves. If
this other party wants to buy for
cash. I'd sell and call 1t good nd
Dance
But ne only offers three thousand
Norma demonstrated, That's perfect
ly absurd" Mr.. Judson smiled depre-
catingly, almost sadly. property has
deprecated the last ten years, too.
down along the shore here. I'd take
this offer. It's cash, and you won't
have any agents commission to pay
out of it. 1t hasn't been occupied for
two years and the stories told are
mighty freakish. I'm not supersu-
tious, Miss Ewing, but 1 wouldn't live
in it rent free"
The gentleman in the seat forward
turned his afternoon paper. Norma
regarded the back of his head and
shoulders in perplexity. 1t was hard
trying to decide for herself without
single person to ask advice from eX-
cepting stout, bland Mr.. Judson.
The property at Princess Beach had
come into her hands through inheri-
lance while she was teaching domestic
science in a college town of the Mid
this spring with a real affection for
it in her heart because it had been
her grandparents home once upon
time. 1t lay on a rise of ground
above the beach, facing Princess Bay,
its lawns sloping to the waters edge
in terraces, with q long flight of con-
crete steps leading from the veranda
down to little boat landing.
The house itself was wide and hos
pitable. 1t was painted dull, messy
green, and had many clambering vines
and several bay windows which jutted
out enticingly here and there There
was a small conservatory on the south
side next the big dining room, and
plenty of fruit trees and berry canes
up in the neglected garden. Altogether
it seemed to suggest home to Norma,
and there were no ties to take her
back West.
She left the train at Princess Beach,
and let Mr.. Judson go on to Totem
vile, where he lived. Perhaps this
one last look at the house might help
her to make up her mind, she thought.
The occupant of the seat ahead got
off at this station, too. He was a tail
young man, with eyeglasses and
decidedly humorous mouth. He ap-
peared to DE an unusual type from
others on the little jerky local train
AS she turned down the road to the
beach, he spoke to her. 1t was about
her house. He had overheard Mr..
Judson's remarks, and he knew the
house, too; knew all about the ghost
rumor. He himself had not the
slightest antipathy to ghosts, it
seemed. He was looking for house
on the waterfront for the summer
for himself and his grandfather. If
she cared to close the deal then and
there, he would take it for 5000 for
the season.
"Grandfather's bully old sport,
| and crazy after the water. The crab
bling is fine from that old boat land
ing. and he'll potter around all sum-
mer long, happy as a clam. We've
been pals ever since l was in rompers.
Grandmother's promised to look US
over every now and then To be sure
we keep out of mischief. She likes
the city best on account of her clubs
and committees and different inter
eSts.''
They went over the old house to-
gether. Norma had never penetrated
to every room ana recess, but the new
| tenant did, leaving her down on the
I wide veranda looking toward the sea.
When he came back he had whim-
steal smile and a twinkle in his eyes
behind their glasses.
Il wouldn't say a word about the
house being occupied, Miss Ewing. 1t
| might scare away our ghost, and I
think 1 can lay a trap for him.
Norma laughed at the time, with
words. 1t seemed SO good to get the
old place off her hands for the sum-
mer at a good rental that she had al
most forgotten the ghost.
The next week she had a letter from
her tenant, Lane Abbott. He had
moved down quietly into the old
house. Grandfather was having the
time of his life planning a melon patch
and small garden NOBODY seemed to
realize they had moved in as yet. He
had used an oil stove instead of build
ing any fires, and they had used the
wood path to the station.
Two letters came from Mr.. Judson
urging immediate action on the sale
of the property. Norma wrote back
that she had not quite decided yet
what was best to do.
Another letter from Abbott brought
amusement and some enlightenment
He had been quietly making inquiries
at the local stores about the Ewing
family ghost, and had been assured it
was a visible presence which ha6 been
witnessed by many passersby and
neighbors. 1t appeared to prefer the
old cupola, probably, Abbott suggest
ed. on account of its exposed position
Maybe it had been accustomed to a
pulpit in its earthly sojourn. Had she
any knowledge of q ministerial ances-
tor? He added that they were only
occupying three rooms in the south
wing looking seward, and were
awaiting a manifestation.
Only two days after this, Norma
was called, TO the phone very early in
the morning. 1t was Abbott's voice.
I'm aWfully sorry to get you out
so early Miss Ewing" he said, heart
lily, but we laid the ghost last night
and in the general mixup the cupola
caught fire"
Has the house gomez" exclaimed
Norma.
"Oh. no. indeed" he laughed. "Only
the cupoia and slice of the roof on
that north end facing the road Come
out aud look it over"
When she came in sight of the
house sol ebo6y halted her from the
roadway 1t was Mr. Judson in his
runabout. He was redfaced and short
spoken.
Il want to know what you're going
to do about this. My boys been rough