South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-10-05

and twilight superstitions
The dreamy. visionary Dutch folk.
descendants OF the early settlers.
were given to marvellous beliefs.
Many were their Preside tales or
ghosts and evil spirits.
TIL most awesome wrath OF this
bewitched neighborhood was a head
less figure on powerful black
charger. which at midnight rode
forth from the church graveyard.
At every country Preside were
told blood-curdling stories OF the
weird and ghoulish pranks OF this
Headless Horseman Of Sleepy HOl-
low.
Perhaps the most superstltious
soul throughout thet valley. IN the
days just following the revolution,
was the country schoolmaster, Icha-
bod Crane. Tall. lank. long-limbed.
he was a protesque fgure, yet not
lacking in conceit.
As was the custom he led an
itinerant life. boarding with the
farmers whose children he taught.
Since he brought the local gossip
and helped with the chores. his
periodical visitations were welcomed
BY the housewives.
He also enlivened the long wintry
evenings with direful stories OF
witchcraft In a snug chimney cor
ner before a cracking wood fire,
there was fearsome pleasure in
these blood chilling tales.
But for this gruesOme enjoyment,
how dearly he paid when out alone
at night. What menacing shade
beset his path Every covered
bush stood a sheeted spectre in his
way.
However. IL was not these phan-
toms Of the night that disturbed his
peace. for his days were haunted by
the most bewitching OF all witches
woman
In mis- weekly singing class was
Katrina Van Tassel, only child Of a
substantial farmer. Famed for her
beauty and vast expectations, the
enraptured Ichabod became her
ardent sutton.
GlOatingly he surveyed her father S
rich meadow lands. the Overlooking
barns, and the great sloping-roofed
farmhouse filled with treasures OF
old mahogany, pewter and silver. All
these rich possessions made IchabOd
covet the peerless Katrina.
The most formidable of his many
rivals was the registering Brom Van
Brunt, nlcXnamed. from his hercu-
lean frame. Brom Bones.
He was the hero OF all the country
round. which rang with his feats of
strength and hardihoOd. \ reckless
hOrseman and foremost in all rural
sports. ne was always ready for a
fight or a frolic.
Yet even the old DANES. startled
out Of their sleep as he clattgred by
at midnight. looked upon his wild
pranks with more good will than
disfavor.
This rantipole hero had chosen TO
lay siege to the blooming Katrina.
And when on sunday night his
horse was tied 10 Van TasseIs pal
ings. all other suitors passed on in
despair.
lchabod. however, in his role OF
singing master. made frequent visits
at the farm. Neither old Van Tas-
sci. an easy. indulgent soul, nor hi:
busy housewofe iuterfered with til,
pedagogues suit. Yet his wOOing wa:
beset with difficulties
Brom Bones had declared a dead
~ feud. and as lchabod shrewdll
avoided q physical combat. ne be
came the object of whimsical per
secutions by Brom and his boor
companions.
They smoked out his singinl
tr,f
turvey his schoolhouse: and still
worse. taught scoundrel dog t,
whine as rival instructor in psalm
ody 20 the fair Katrina
one hne autumnal afternoon
Ichabod. in pensive mood. sat en-
throned ON the lofty stool from
which he ruled his laggard pupils
The buzzins stiffness Of IN,
sCLoolroom was broken by a gauop
ing messenger who brought an in
vitatiou 20 a quilting frolic' tina
evening al Van TasSeIs
Promptly dismissing school Icha
bod turnisued up his only suit o.
rusty black. and soon rode forth
q gaIlan- cavalier 10 this bidding o
his lady fair
Ar.tll l'fff' iAf-t AAAf I''IlN iIl hItfN
horse borrowed from the farme
with whom Ichabod was domiciled
wss suitable steed for his LONG
gaunt frame
jogging SLOWLY alonE. IL was afte
shutdown when ne reached Van Tas
sells. where were gathered IN,
farmer folk OF the surroundin.
country.
However IL was not the buNon
lasses which held Ichabod enthrau
ed u was the sumptous ubundauc,
81 the supper table. such luscious
ham and chicken and heaping plat
tiers Of doughuIts. cruuers and gin
ger cakes,
IchabOd'S lapacious appetite di,
ample justice go this repast. Will,