LEVI'S GHOST

Submitted by Martha J. Kounse

SOURCE: Ironton Register, December 4, 1884

Levi Adams tells a strange tale of a midnight interview, from which he has scarcely yet re-covered his usual equanimity. Last Friday night, after he had retired to his accustomed bunk in the office of Davis' livery stable, and was closing his wearily lids for peaceful repose, a mysterious rap was sounded on the office door. He dressed himself and went out, and found there a lady. She was nicely dressed, had on a gold watch and chain, wore a fine cloak, and bore every evidence of respectability. When Levi appeared, she asked, "Are you the night watchman here?" "Yes," replied Levi. "Have you got a light?" "Yes." "Will you bring it and follow me?"

Levi began to grow nervous, but answered again in the affirmative and followed the mysterious stranger. She walked down around the stable to the rear wall, and taking off her kid gloves felt all along the bricks inside and outside the door. Meantime Levi's wonder multiplied, and he felt overwhelmed by the strange affair. Finally he burst out in an emphatic interrogation, decorating his question with a little profanity. At that thought, the woman instantly turned and raised a warning hand. "Be careful, sire", she said, "I'm a lady." Levi was subdued and she went on, "Twelve years ago, a man who hired a horse and buggy at this stable concealed some rare valuables behind a brick in this wall. They are here yet, wrapped in a blue silk handkerchief, and the brick is marked with a X made with a shoe buttoner." Levi listened with astounded gaze, as the woman spoke calmly. "You were here then," she concluded. "No, I wasn't," said Levi. "I've only been hear six months."

Then the visitor turned on him again and with confident expression exclaimed, "You've been hear fourteen years." That was the truth, which Levi in the increasing wonderment of the scene, dared not to deny. She saw his unmistakable fear and begged to assure him of her peaceable intentions. Still Levi felt very uncomfortable and told the woman he would not stay there any longer, and so the strange visitor left, saying, however, that she would be back again, and solemnly warning Levi that silence on his part would prove advisable. But Levi hopes she won't return.