Parson ‘Lays’ a Ghost

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 22, 27 January 1937, Page 16 (Supplement)

Parson ‘Lays’ a Ghost

The lato Rev. H. S. Mahoney, Irish secretary of the South American Missionary Society, was a popular guest wherever ho went. On a preaching expedition he arrived at a large house where ho was a popular and regular visitor. Said his hostess: “Oh, Mr. Mahoney, I am sure that you won’t mind. Y’ou are an old friend. The house is full of hunting people, and I can’t give you your usual room, so I p.m giving you our haunted chamber, which is rarely occupied. I am sorry, but you, as a clergyman, won’t be frightened."

Tho smiling Mahoney assured her that no ghost would scare him. At dinner the hostess proclaimed his bravery to tho other guests. As he went , to bed all wished him a restful night and pleasant dreams. Next, morning there appeared at breakfast a very quiet and pensive Mahoney. Asked whether he had slept well, he hesitatingly answmred, ; “Y r es." Pressed, he said, “Yes—and no." Come, come, Mr. Mahoney," said his hostess, “you either slept or you did not." “Well," confessed Mahoney, ‘ ‘as soon .as I got into bed I went to sleep. But I wakened up as the clock struck twelve. I sat up and I saw a strange light at the end of my bed. It grew in size, .and out of it appeared a lady, all in white. She moved silently towards me. I was horrified. I wanted to scream. . My heart thumped.. She came nearer, she stretched out her arm, and I seemed to feel an icy hando n my brow. I felt that I must do something or I would feel an icy hand on my- brow. I felt you for a subscription for the South American ■ Missionary Society?’. She vanished immediately." ,