Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 May 1895 — SCARED BY A HAG. [ARTICLE]

SCARED BY A HAG.

Sad Case of a Foolish Bride Who Is Dying in Florida. As a result of what some folks claim is witchcraft, Mrs. W. R. Langford, a bride of but a few weeks, who lives about twelve miles from Bartow, Fla., Is on her deathbed. Some time ago Mrs. Langford came to Bartow to attend the Normal Institute, hoping to pass her examination and afterward get an appointment as school teacher. Mrs. Langford was in high spirits, and soon became noted as one of the jol-l liest of the Normal students. One day as she was walking alone in the suburbs of the town she was accosted by an old woman of the Meg Merrilies type, whom Mrs. Langford had never seen before.

The hag surprised Mrs. Langford by addressing her by name and by telling her that she had been married only a few days, and that she was the second wife of her husband; all of which was true. Mrs. Langford wondered how the old wonjan should be so familiar with the circumstances of her life, but her astonishment increased when the hag, pointing a skinny finger at her, said: “Enjoy yourself while you may, dearie, for in three months from to-day you will be a corpse.” The old woman disappeared, and has not been seen since, nor has any clue to her identity been discovered. Mrs. Langford returned from her walk and told her companions what had occurred. Her friends attempted to laugh the matter off, but the young bride seemed convinced that the hag’s prophecy would prove true. She returned to her home, told her husband of the old woman’s prediction and then took to her bed. She has been growing weaker over since, nnd it is believed she will die before the date fixed. Mrs. Langford complains of no pain, but is simply wasting away. She takes medicines prescribed by doctors, but says it is useless, as she is doomed.