Robbed and Mistaken for a Ghost

The Mechanicsburg (Cumberland Co., Penn.) Journal tells a story that seems almost incredible, though it is vouched for as strictly true. Samuel Erb, of East Pennsboro 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, but 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 to his shirt and drawers. They then gagged him and tied his hands behind his back, and he was allowed to go home, 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 recognize his master, he kept barking and snapping through the pales at his legs. Mrs. Erb, being aroused by the noise, looked out of the window, and seeing his white figure dancing in 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 he called off the dog. He 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 leg. 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 a great dilemma. Speak he could not. If he stayed he would be shot, and if he went away he would freeze. In fact, he was near frozen already. He turned to go, and as he did so his wife saw his arms were tied on his back. 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 hostility, there need be no fear. Mr. Erb, trembling, obeyed, and on drawing near was recognized and taken in and cared for."