The dispatch-news. [volume] (Lexington, S.C.) 1919-2001, 1919-12-31
THE GHOST CHASER
By G. .. BROOKS.


Not SO Claire Berkeley's. Had she
not ionged for excitement, adyenture7
It had been so foaely 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 Tire
vor, ''that late in the evening 1t is seen
in the upper back room. The light 1t
carries illumines it's long, white form.
I'd go in if Tom would 60. too. 1t
might be great fun"
The girls eyes flashed their excite"
ment.
'Tom 60 with you," sneered Claire
Berkeley. "Why! I'd like nothing bet
ter than to go with our own girls. As
II 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-
Dany 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
auakingly.
4 sss-I saw a speck Of light" trem
sbIed Sadie Deanforth. ooh, dear!
III don't dare go on"
Il wish brother Bob were here"
auaked Betty Seers.
Suddenly Amy slackened her gait.
s'Claire! IL believe Sadie did see
something. do myself. Look!"
ga light! don't see thing but a
arefiy. What little towards you are!
Now listen. Well so back now; but
next time we shall enter. How many
will promise? Are you afraid?"
ssWhy, of course III not back out.
CLAIRE, Sald Amy.
sAnd you three timid ones?' with
cred their leader mockingly.
"We-we-of course we'n co." they
haltingly agreed.
Brave girls :" laughed Claire.
The next evening the three fear.
fuI girls followed their brave leaders
TO the very door Of the haunted house
The long. black hedge seemed to con.
ceal black. spooky shapes.
srdon't dare go-at least. not into
the back room. Would you mind
CIaire?'' began Amy.
ssNo, wouldn't mind going in alone.
Tn bound to chase that ghost. I'm
not afraid boasted the girl.
But even as she forged ahead the
girl felt herself tremble. She would
never give in-oh, no.
She groped her way to the opposite
side of the room and began fumbllng
for the doorknob. \
At every tumble faint groans issued
FROM the corner where the girls stood
nuddled. When the branch " an OLD
lilac tree tapped the window the
groans deepened.
sSh!" warned Claire.
"Gaire's voice trembles. too" whis-
pered one Of the girls.
Amy nudged her into fearful silence.
AS Claire pushed wide the awful door,
: .he girls saw small bright light out
.ining tall white form. Then the door
closed on their friend
The girls stood quaking. and with
eyes covered.
It seemed hours before they dared to
speak or to peer through the dark
ness
Where was Claire so long--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.
ats all right, girls, I'm the ghost
laughed Al Trevor in happy. tremu
Claire chased after me, in fact she fell
right into my arms"
- sWhy-Al Trevor. YOU.
ayes, girls, I will confess. I over
heard Amy tell Of your ghostly trip.
To punish this fair maid, who blamed
me, I substituted for the ghost BY
the way, where is the original spook?'
vanished, AL 1t must have been
my ghost of unhappiness," unblushing'
ay admitted Claire.
"o-oh dear! let's get out Of this
yraesome, ghostly house." cried Amy
Trevor.
.Gruesoroe !" chided Al.
-Gr,esome ?" echoed Claire.
They beamed at each other.
fcopr,Sht. 1913. Western Newspaper Calons