The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1921-02-03

II the Hudson lies the drowsy
valley of Sleepy Hollow-once
At remote enchanted region, Astounding
In haunted spots and twilight superstl-
tions.
The dreamy, visionary Dutch folk,
descendants of the early settlers, were
given to marvellous beliefs.
The most awesome wrath of this be-
witched neighborhood was q headless
figure on a powerful black charger,
which at midnight rode forth from the
church graveyard
AT every country fireside were told
blood-curdling stories of the weird and
ghoulish pranks of the Headless Horse
man of Sleepy Hollow.
Perhaps the most superstitiOus soul
throughout the valley, in the days just
following the Revolution, was the coun-
try schoolmaster, Ichabod Crane. Tall,
Iank, long-limbed, he was a grotesque
figure. yet not lacking in conceit.
AS was the custom, he led an timer
ant life, boarding with the farmers
whose children he taught. Since he
brought the local gossip and helped
with the chores, his periodical vista
lions were welcomed by the house
wives.
He also enlivened the long wintry
evenings with direful stories of witch
CART. In a snug chimney corner be-
fore a cracking wood fire, there was
fearsome pleasure in these blood-chill-
ing tales.
But for this gruesome enjoyment,
how dearly he paid when out alone at
night. What menacing shadows beset
his path Every snow-covered bush
stood a sheeted specter in his way.
However, ii was not only these phan-
toms of the night that disturbed his
peace, for his days were haunted by
the most bewitching Of all witches-a
woman.
In his weekly singing class was Kat
rina Van Tassel, only child of a sub
stantial farmer. Famed for her beauty
and vast expectations, the enraptured
Ichabod became her ardent sutton.
Gloatingly he surveyed her fathers
rich meadow lands, the overfowing
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 Brown Van
Brunt, nicknamed, from his herculean
frame. Brom Bones.
IT - al trx
round, which rang with his feats OF
strength and hardihood. A reckless
horseman and foremost In all rural
sports, he was always ready for a
fight or frolic.
Yet even the old danes, startled out
of their sleep as he clattered by at
midnight, looked upon his wild pranks
with more goodwill than disfavor.
This rantipole hero had chosen to
lay siege to the blooming Katrina. And
when on Sunday night his horse
was tied to Van Tassel's palings, all
other suitors passed on in despair.
Ichabod, however. In his role of
singing master, made frequent visits at
the farm. Neither old Van, an easy, in
duigent soul. nor his busy housewife,
interfered with the pedagogue's suit;
vet his wooing was beset with diff
culties.
Brom Bones had declared deadly
feud, and as Ichabod shrewdly avoid
ed physical combat, he became the
object OF whimsical prosecutions by
Brom and his boon companions.
They smol I'd out his singing school;
broke into and turned topsy-turvy his
schoolhouse; and still worse, taught
a scoundrel dog to whine as a rival
instructor in psalmody to the fair Kat
rlna.
One fine autumnal afternoon Icha-
bod in a penslve mood, sat enthroned
on the lofty stool from which he ruled