The evening Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1918-1920, 1920-01-12
THE GHOST CHASER
BY c. E. BROOKS.

And they sny-"-here The voice
lowered to tragic whisper.
Three pairs Of cyes--blue, brown,
haZel-widened with fear.
Not so Claire Berkeley's. Had she
not longed for excitement, adventure?
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 ilumines its long. white form.
Id go in If Tom would go, too. II
might be great fun"
The girls eyes flashed their excite
mcnt
TON 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 tlmid ones, inspired by Clajres
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 tmid ones followed
quakingly.
I'll saw speck OF light" trem-
blcd Sadie Deanforth. ooh, dear!
II don't dare go on"
Il wish brother Bob were here"
quakcd Getty Seers
Suddenly Amy slackened her gait.
Claire II believe Sadie did sec
something. I do myself. Look ~
"A light. don't see a thing but
FREELY What little towards YOU are !.
Now listen. Wen 60 back now; but
next time We shall enter. How many
will promise? Are you afraid?'
"Why, Of course III not back out,
Claire" said Amy.
And you three timid ones?" with
cred their leader mockingly.
"We-wc-of course We'll 60" they
haliingly agreed.
Grave girls :" laughed Claire.
70 .hrnn fpar-
full girls followed their brave leaders
10 the very door of the haunted house.
The long, black hedge seemed to con
coal black. spooky shapes.
T-don't dare goat least, not into
the back room. Would you mind,
Claire?" began Amy
mo, 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 groped her way to the opposite
side of the room and began fumbling
for the doorknoh.
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 deepencd.
Ssh" warned Claire.
"Clairc's voice tremblcs, too" whis-
percd one of the girls.
Amy nudged her into fearful silence.
As Claire pushed wide the awful door,
the girls saw small bright light out
lining a tall white form. Then the door
closed on their friend.
The girls stood Guakng, and with
eyes covered
It seemed hours before they dared 10
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 moro.
Then the door opened, and fash
light fell full upon them.
ITS all right. girls, I'm the ghost
laughed Al Trevor in happy, tremu
lous 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, substituted for the ghost. BY
the way. where is the original spook?'
'Vanishcd, Al. 1t must have been
my ghost of unhappiness, unblushins-
~ admitted Claire.
"O-oh dear. lets get out of this
grucsome, ghostly house, cried Amy
Trevor.
"Gruosome, :" chIded Al.
"Gruesome :" echoed Claire.
They bcamod at each other.
Copyright. 1919. Western Newspaper Union,
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