ROBBED AND MISTAKEN FOR A GHOST.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 138, 5 August 1876, Page 3

ROBBED AND MISTAKEN FOR A GHOST.

The “ Mochanicsburg County Journal” tells a story that seems almost incrodi bio, though it is vouched for as strictly true. Samuel Erb, of East Pcnnsboro township, had been to church one night, and as he approached his house was startled by a commotion in his chicken coop. On investigating the cause he discovered three men wringing the necks of his poultry. When the thieves saw him they fled with their plunder, seeking shelter among some bushes, Mr Erb, with his dog, pursued them, hut a couple of shots from the thieves caused the dog to retreat. A pistol was then presented to his breast by the robbers, who robbed him of his money and watch, and then compelled him to take off his clothes, stripping him of his shirt and drawers. They then gagged him and tied his hands behind his back, and ho was allowed to go homo, the thieves taking their departure also. A correspondent of the Journal tells the rest of the story as follows:—-‘The feelings of Mr Erb can be easier imagined than described as he walked home through the keen air. But his troubles were not yet over, for at his gate, he was met by his dog, which had deserted him. Failing to recognise his master, he kept harking and snapping throng'll the jades at his legs, Mrs Erb, being' aroused by the noise looked out of the window, and seeing his while figure dancing i;i the moonlight thought it was a ghost, called her father who was staying with her at the time, who came armed with the shot gun. and opening the door called off’the dog. lie then desired to know the mission of one in so strange an attire. Never was a man more willing to speak or more unable than Mr Samuel Erb. So the only reply was a few nods of the head, accompanied by as many jumps with the feet. Mr Boozer then brought his weapon to his shoulder and taking aim at the supposed ghost, demanded it to speak immediately, or leave the premises. With this he coupled the promise that a failure to comply would cause him to fire. Mr Erb was now in groat dilemma. Speak ho could not. If he stayed lie would bo shot, and if ho wont away he would freeze. In fact he was nearly frozen already. He turned to go, and as he did so his wife saw his arms -were tied on his hack. Telling her father this, that gentleman called to him to come back, but kept the gun pointed, saying as long as there was no evidence of his hostility there need bo no fear. Mr Erb tremblingly obeyed, and on drawing near was recognised and taken in and cared for.