The Ghost That Wasn't There

Rumors of all kinds were flying about the streets Monday, induced by a queer accident that happened at the residence of Capt. J. H. Thomas early Sunday morning. It seems that Mr. and Mrs. Walter N. Granger, who occupy a very low-ceilinged room in the Thomas house, were accustomed to read in bed, and Sunday night, after reading later than usual, Mr. Granger turned out the light and threw the papers on the floor. Mrs. Granger, fearing that the papers would catch fire from sparks from the stove, got up and gathered the papers, placing them on the bureau. Shortly thereafter, Capt. Thomas came rushing up the stairs, shotgun in hand, and asked Mr. Granger to strike a light, giving as a hurried explanation that he thought the burglar had come into that room. Mr. Granger lighted a match, and Capt. Thomas, catching sight of a strange shadow on the low ceiling, raised his gun and blazed away. The report was deafening, and the gun was so close to Mr. Granger’s head that his system was thoroughly shocked and he lost consciousness. There was no burglar in the house, but Capt. Thomas imagined there was, and having $400 with him at the time, every noise was magnified; the footsteps of Mrs. Granger in gathering up the papers convinced him that a burglar had entered. A messenger was dispatched for Dr. Coe, and Mrs. Thomas sought with warm flannels and whiskey to bring her son-in-law back to consciousness. Mr. Granger remained under the shock for several days.