THE GHOST IN THE TOWER

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 45, 16 November 1929, Page 30

THE GHOST IN THE TOWER

There wore once, on a hilltop that overlooked the sea, the ruined remains of an old castle. Wall and gateway had fallen to decay, but the watchtower still remained, ivy-grown and crumbling. At the time of our story, centuries ago, a young prince was being hunted down by those who wished to kill him and plant a usurper in his place; and one dark night the fugitive, accompanied by one faithful follower, slipped in with the tide and took refuge in the ruined tower. The poor boy was spent with cold and exhaustion, and, as soon as they were safe.in the keep dungeons, fell fast asleep. When he awoke he found his companion completing arrangements for a temporary lodging in the only enclosed chamber the keep possessed. Twice the old man bad been down to the cave, by means of a hidden cliffpassage known to him since his’boyhood, and had brought back the store of food he had hidden in the boat, so that, with water from the well in the dungeon, the fugitives were safe for many days. When they were earing their frugal supper,, however, a noise in the upper rooms caught the Prince’s ear. “Padre," he whispered, with his hand on the servant’s arm, “listen! What is it?" There was a rattling among the rafters, and the next moment an earthly screech echoed through and through the lonely tower. The boy turned pale. “Oh, Padre,” cried he, “is the tower haunted?” “Yes, my son,” said tlie old man; “but it was J who put the ghost there. Come and look.” Forthwith the two cjimbed upstairs, and in the dim, uncertain light the boy .

was aware of a pair of great ghostly eyes, and a shapeless form that flapped and waved its arms in the roof. “What is it?” he whispered fearfully, “Au owl,” replied the old man. “I have robbed a belfry on an island many miles away where owls live. But here they are not known; and this ghost will play a brave part, I hope, until our troops arrive.” Several evenings later the old servant awoke the Prince. “There is danger, my son," be said. “Boats are just now mooring in the creek! our hiding is suspected. The.two, from their niche, watched and waited, and presently . shadowy forms surrounded the keep. But, just as they set noiseless foot on the ivied, stair, the dead stillness of the night was shattered by the uncanny screech of the owl. From wall-to wall it echoed, and was muffled and emerged again; and screech followed screech, until it seemed the tower was the haunt of an army of demons. ■ ■ ■‘ i ‘ It was a sound to terrify the bravest, let alone thg townsfolk, unused to country sounds, who were surrounding the keep. Moreover, in those superstitious Middle Ages, men would rather face, a great, army than traverse a haunted spot. The fugitives watched breathlessly, fearing the worst; but the ghost served the occasion, for soon the men broke rank and fled to the beach. “All is well for to-night," murmured the old man, “but our ghostly visitor may n»t protect us every night. Please God, relief may soon come.” Two nights later boats crossed the bay again, but this time a low concerted signal was given, and the-fugitives knew they were saved. And when peace was restored, and tfle young Prince set again in his kingdom, he sent for the staring, flapping owl. and brought him up as his own-, especial pet.