Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-03-30
Euening Story
A Springtime Ghost.
BY Marian Percy.
Copyright, 1916, by Mcclure News
paper Syndicate.)

Copyright, 1916, by Mcclure News
paper Syndicate.)
"You see, Miss Ewing, the house has
the reputation of being haunted. Jud-
son, real estate arbiter of Princess
Beach, looked as if he regretted the
unfortunate SAVIOR of popular prejudice,
but was powerless to avert it. I'VE
couldn't rent it to good customer
without hurting ourselves. If this other
party wants to buy for cash, I'd sell
and call it good radiance"
But he only offers three thousand
Norma demonstrated. That's perfectly
absurd" Mr.. Judson smiled deprecat-
ingly. almost sadly. Property has de-
preciated the last ten years, too, down
along the shore here. I'd take this Of
fer. It's cash and you won't have any
agents commission to pay out Of 1t. 1t
hasn't been occupied for two years and
the stories told are mighty freakish.
I'm not superstitious, Miss Ewing, but
l wouldn't live in it rent free"
The gentleman in the seat forward
turned his afternoon paper. Norma re-
garGed the back of his head and shout
ders in perpleXity. 1t was hard trying
to decide for herself without single
person to ask advice from excepting
stout, bland Mr.. Judson.
The property at Princess Beach had
come into her hands through inheri-
lance while she was teaching domes-
tic science in college town of the
middle west. And she had come east
this spring with a real affection for it
1,o~ l,aoy.f hnoouco hod hoan hnp
grandparents home once upon time.
1t lay on rise Of ground above the
beach, facing Princess Bay, its lawns
sloping to the waters edge in terraces
with a long flight Of concrete steps
leading from the veranda down to
little boat landing.
The house itself was wide and hospi-
table. 1t was painted dull, messy
green, and had many clambering vines
and several bay windows which jutted
out enticingly here and there. There
was small conservatory on the south
side next the big dining room and plen-
ty 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 Tottenville
where he lived. Perhaps this one last
look at her 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 tall Young
man, with eye glasses and a decldeoly
humorous mouth. He appeared 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.. JUDI
sons remarks, and he knew the mouse
too: knew all about the ghost rumor
He himself had not the slightest anti
pathv to ghosts, it seemed. He was
looking for a house on the water front
for the summer for himself and his
grandfather If she cared to close the
deal then and there, he would take 1t
for 5000 for the season.
"Grandfathers a bully old sport and
crazv after the water. The grabbing 8
fine from that old boat landing and he
will potter around all summer long,
happy as a clam. We've been pals ever
since was in rompers. Grandmother g
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 interests"
They went over the old house to-
gether Norma had never penetrated
to every room and recess, but the new
tenant did, leaving her down on the
wide veranda looking toward the sea.
When he came back he had whim-
steal smile and twinkle in his eyes
behind their glasses.
II wouldn't say word about the
house being occupied, Miss Ewing. 1t
might scare away our ghost and l
think I can lay trap for him."
Norma laughed at the time, without
catching the significance of his words
It seemed so good to get the old place
off her hands for the summer at good
rental that she had almost forgotten
the ghost.
The next week she had letter from
her tenant, Lane Abbott. He had NOV
ed down quietly into the old house
Grandfather was having the time Of
his life planning a melon patch and
small garden Nobody seemed to real
ize they had moved in as yet. He had
used an oil stove instead of building