This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1897. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... OLD STORIES In the early part of the century, the people were very fond of telling ghost stories of an evening about the kitchen fire, and some people of great general intelligence were very superstitious. As an instance, I speak of Squire H, a man who was esteemed one of the pillars of the town. He said of his first wife that she saw her own apparition. One winter day she had been washing clothes in the kitchen. When she had finished she went to the glass, and combed her hair. While thus engaged she happened to look out of the window, and saw herself walking on the snow. The Squire had gone to the village, but when he returned he found his wife in tears. She told him what she had seen, and said she knew that such an appearance meant she was not to live long. She died within a year. The Squire's second wife did not believe in witches, and never would accept this story; but the Squire explained her unbelief by stating that she was the first-born in her father's family, and that over such the witches had no power. All authorities agree that to see one's double is a very bad sign. Such affirm that Abraham Lincoln saw his double before he was assassinated, and that he told his friends he knew from that he would not live his term out. The following is an example of an old-time witch story. It involves no less a personage than a clergyman. This clergyman's name was Hooker. He was travelling on horseback when, one evening, night overtook him at Springfield, Mass., and he Bought an inn. Other travellers were before him; and the landlord informed Rev. Mr. Hooker that he had only a single vacant room left, and, unfortunately, that room was haunted. The clergyman said he did not mind that, and took the room. He had retired, and everything was still when twelve o'clock cam...