The log cabin Democrat., 1916-04-12
A ASPR|NGT|ME GHOST
By MARIAN PERCY.

son, real estate arbiter of Princess Beach, looked as if he regretted the unfortunate savor of popular preju- dice, but was powerless to avert it. We couldn't rent it to a good custo- mer without hurting ourselves. If this other party wants to buy for cash, I'd sell and call it good rid dance"
 But he only offers three thousand" Norma remonstrated. That's perfect ly absurd" MT Judson smiled depre- catingly, almost sadly. Property has Appreciated 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. It 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 regarded the back of his head and shoulders in perplexity. It was hard trying to decide for herself without a single person to ask advice from ex- cepting stout, bland MT. Judson.
 The property at Princess Beach had come into her hands through inheri- tance while she was teaching domestic science in a college town of the mid dle West. And she had come East this spring with real affection for it in her heart because it had been her grandparents home once upon a time It lay on rise of ground above the beach. facing Princess Bay, it's lawns sloping to the waters edge In terraces, with long flight of concrete steps leading from the veranda down to a little boat landing
 The house itself was wide and hos pitable. It was painted a 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 plenty of fruit trees and berry canes up in the neglected garden. Altogeth- CT it seemed to suggest home to Nor ma, and there were no ties to take her back West.
 She left the train at Princess Beach and let MT. Judson go on to Totten- 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 tall young man, with eyeglasses and de- cidedly humorous mouth. He ap- peared to be different type from oth- CTS on the little jerky local train.
 AS she turned down the road to the beach, he spoke to her. It was about her house. He had overheard MT Jud- sons remarks, and he knew the house, too; knew all about the ghost rumor. He himself had not the slightest an- tipathy 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 s200 for the season.
 "Grandfather's bully old sport, and crazy after the water The crabbings fine from the old boat landing, and he'll potter around all summer long, happy as a clam. We've been pals ever since I was in rompers. Grand mothers promised to look us over ev- cry now and then to be sure we keep out of mischief. She likes the city best on account of her clubs and com mittees 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 a whim- sical smile and twinkle in his eyes behind their glasses.
 Il wouldn't say word about the house being occupied, Miss Ewing. It might scare away our ghost, and think l 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 for got 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 had used the wood path to the station.
 Two letters came from MT. 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