Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1919-10-15
THE GHOST CHASER
BY c. B. BROOKS.


lowered TO tragic whisper.
Three pairs Of eyes-blue, brown,
hazel-widened with fear.
Not so Claire Berkeley's. Had she
not longed for excitement, adventure?
1t had been so lonely and monotOnous,
especially since Al Trevor had left
without one word. Surely there must
be some mistake. She had overheard
his sister whispering that he had ar
rived from overseas.
"And they say" whispered Amy Ire
vor, "that late in the evening it is seen
in the upper back room. The light it
carries illumines its long, white form.
I'd go in if Tom would go, too. 1t
might be great fun"
The girls eyes flashed their excite
ment.
''Tom go with you," sneered Claire
Berkeley "Why! I'd like nothing bet
ter than to go with our own girls. AS
If we depended on men for everything
we undertake" And the pretty chin
tilted in the air.
The timid ones, inspired by Claire's
brave assertion, promised to accom-
pany the two girls on condition that
they be allowed to follow in the rear.
1t was decided to investigate one
evening and the following night to
enter the haunted house.
Thus one dark evening found five
weird, creeping forms silently tracing
their way along the deserted road.
Amy and Claire braved the way ahead,
and the three timid ones followed
quakingly.
IL saw speck of light" trem-
bled Sadie Deanforth. ooh, dear!
II don't dare go on"
81 wish brother Bob were here"
quaked Betty Seers.
Suddenly Amy slackened her gait.
claire II believe Sadie did see
something. I do myself. Look !"
"a light I don't see thing but a
FREELY. What little towards you are!
Now listen. Well go back now; but
next time we shall enter. How many
will promise? Are you afraid?"
"Why, of course I'll not back out,
Claire" said Amy.
"And you three timid ones?" with
cred their leader mOckingly.
"We-we-of course Wen co." they
haltingIy agreed.
Grave girls ~ laughed Claire.
The next evening the three fear
full girls followed their brave leaders
to the very door of the haunted house.
| The long, black hedge seemed to con-
| ceal black, spooky shapes.
'T-don't dare goat least, not into
the back room. Would you mind,
Claire?" began Amy.
mo, l wouldn't mind going in alone.
| I'm bound to chase that ghost. I'm
not afraid" boosted the girl.
But even as she forged ahead the
| girl felt herself tremble. She would
never give in-oh, no.
She CROPPED her way to the opposite
| side of the room and began fumbling
| for the doorknob.
At every tumble faint groans issued
from the corner where the girls stood
| huddled. When the branch of an old
| lilac tree tapped the window the
! groans deepened.
"Shi !" warned Claire.
"Claires voice trembles, too" whis-
pered one of the girls.
Amy nudged her into fearful silence.
AS Claire pushed wide the awful door,
the girls saw a small bright light out
lining a tall white form. Then the door
| closed on their friend.
The girls stood qua1ing and with
| eyes covered.
1t seemed hours before they dared to
| speak or to peer through the dark
| ness.
Where was Claire so Iong-had any
| thing happened to her?
Not one dared to move. Suddenly
| they heard peals of laughter, which
frightened them still more.
Then the door opened, and fash
light fell full upon them.
"Its all right, girls, Tn the ghost
| laughed Al Trevor in happy, tremu'
|, Ious voice. "You can all testify that
| Claire chased after me- in fact she fell
right into my arms"
"Why-Al Trevor. You"
eyes, girls, I will confess. I over
heard Amy tell of your ghostly trip
| To punish this fair maid, who blamed
me, 1 substituted for the ghost. BY
| the way, where is the original spook?"
vanished, Al. 1t must have been
my ghost of unhappiness," unblushing-
| ly admitted Claire.
"O-oh dear! let's get out OF this
| gruesome, ghostly house." cried Amy
| Trevor.
| "Gruesome % chided Al.
"Gruesome % echoed Claire.
They beamed at each other.
| copyright, 1919 Western Newspaper Union)