The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-09


 accompanied Professor Quince upon one of his recent trips in tho interest of psychicai research. The town of chickeroo had been terroriz- cd by . particularly malicious ghost for more than year. The professor, who knows more about ghosts than any other living mortal. had kindly offered to go up there and drive it away, went along to carry his books and instruments.
 The villagers came to the train to meet us with half dozen Fords and a number of narrowing stories. The ghost had been making a great deal Of trouble. He had broken into eel iars---or rather percolated through their walls-and made off with cer- tain spirits to which he could claim no kin.
 He had waylaid respectable citizens on the way home from lodge. snatched cigars from their mouths and strolled off through the dark, the glowing end of the still lighted cigars being the only means by which he could be traced. had his victims cared to trace him, which they never did. Three or four times he had broken up the male quartet that met every Thursday in the I. o. o. F, hall by standing outside and mingling his voice with that of the singers. He Always sang a quarter tone off the key, which. as all members of male quartets know, Is acutely distressing. | The professor and I took up our quarters in the house where he was most frequently seen. He arranged his instruments. which consisted of birthstone, detectors. dictaphones and devices for measuring mist density, where they would be needed. At II o'clock that night I went to bed. the professor sitting up in the down stairs sitting room to await develop ments.
 was very tired, and must have gone to sleep almost instantly. for my wrist watch told me it was only 11:lS when I was disturbed by . slight pulling at the sleeve of my pajamas. 1 sat up at once. This was one of the methods the ghost had been em- ploying to annoy tho visitors. | Although it was dark outside. the interior of the room was faintly lum- inous, and could clearly see the ghost sitting beside me. putting at a cigar which I recognized as one of my own.
 Don't" he said, as opened my |
 | Don't what.'
 Yell. That's what they all do. My ears are sensitive and I don't like it. Besides that bird in the sitting room will be up here and I'll have to go."
 I stared at him-a little uneasily. There is nothing to be afraid off lie said, IT couldn't hurt you if I wanted to. and don't want to. All I want is company. You've nc, Idea how I crave companionship." | He shifted one long leg over the other. I noticed with a start that l could see through them and follow the outlines of the chair arm beyond. | It's lonesome life" he eontir- ued, T can't get anybody to talk to me. I've tried every way I know how. I've even raided their cellars and stolen their hootch. and still they won't put me in jail. where at least l might have the society of . tramp or so now and then.
 Well then" I said. "why are you so afraid of the gentleman down stairs."
 "oh! I know those fellows. They're tiresorrs hores. They're always ask ing you questions about where you came from. and if you know their Uncle Esra. and how many times they must rap on the table to get you to materialize. I can always talk to mediums. I'm sick of them!"
 But this man ia not . medium, he's a psychical researcher
 Same thing. These fellows are | just mediums who have studied gram mar Don't call him. Let's Just have nice plea chat"
 He stretched forth long arm and dcftly removed . fresh cigar from my vest. which hung on tho foot of the bed. There was faint smell of birthstone for an instant as he plac- cd it in his mouth. A elow appeared about the end of 1t. and 1t lighted. | You see" he resumed, "I wal born before you had any of thest