THE CHESHIRE GHOST.

Otago Witness, Issue 2083, 25 January 1894, Page 41

THE CHESHIRE GHOST.

Supernatural apparitions (says a Home paper) seem to be fashionable just now, and the marriage of George, Duke of York, may still afford an opening for the fulfilment of the prophecy of the Cheshire ghost, which was looked upon as nonsensical after William IV had duly succeeded to the throne. There is, or was, in the neighbourhood of the town oE Macolesfield, a small wayside tavern, beariDg the sign of " The Iron Gates," the origin of which is as follows. Many years since a Mobberley farmer was ridißg to Macclesfield market to sell his horse. The animal suddenly started and. almost threw its rider, who then perceived in his path a tall figure in monastic habit, threatening him with an ebony staff. The farmer addressed this mysterious apparition, who thSn told him that he would not be able to dispose of bis steed, and that be should, therefore, ride him back again, and meet him that evening at Alderley Edge.

This prediction was duly fulfilled, for although the farmer offered the horse at half price, he could not find • a purchaser. He therefore determined to carry out the instructions he had received in the morning. The " Monk " kept his engagement, conducted the terror-stricken bucolic to " Saddle Bole," and then struck the ground thrice with his staff. The earth opened, and disclosed to view a pair of heavy iron gates in front of a deep cavern. " Fear nothing," said the monk, " but enter and behold what has never hitherto been revealed to mortal eyes."

The interior of the cave, which appeared to be of enormous extent, then became brilliantly lighted ; on either side of it, a large number of white horses were tethered ; in the centre, their owners, clad in full armour, apparently slept soundly — above and below were endless " stands "of arms ; and at the end of the retreat were huge treasure chests, filled with ancient coin, from which the spirit selected and offered to his guest the prica of his own animal.

Tbe latter naturally asked the meaning of these underground forces. " Theae,' 1 was the reply, "are warriois preserved by the good genius of England, until the country, distracted by intestine commotion, shall be thrice won, and thrice lost, between sunrise and sunset; then we shall awake oat of

sleep to turn the fate of Britain ; then shall the eagle drink the blood from the headless bodies of princes, and all this shall happen when George, the son of George, is KiDg,"