Capture of an “Evil Spirit.”
For some weeks past Mr. Strange, whitesmith, of Stratford, as been subjected to a series of annoyances and damages, the origin of which has, in spite of all that he could do, baffled detection. Strange noises, especially when he has been at work at night, were heard on his premises, and, after the place was locked up at night, his books and papers have been scattered about the floor and the ink poured on them. His bellows have also cut in two, and some of his tools thrown about and spoilt, but the doors have always been found locked as they were left. On three occasions a policeman has remained in the premises all night, but when watchers have been there nothing but noise of stones thrown outside the place has been heard.
About three weeks ago he left his premises and removed from the Broadway to Martin Street, but here also he was subjected to the same annoyances. Some neighbours agreed last night to watch for a night, but instead of secreting themselves in the premises hid themselves on the roof, from which they removed a tile, which they filled with hay, leaving a small aperture, through which they could see. The apprentice, William Harris, was purposely left by himself, but had not been so long before he got a bar of iron and knocked through the roof, breaking several of the tiles, and began to do other mischief. He then hallooed out for his master, “The evil spirit’s at it again.” He was now fairly convicted of being the perpetrator of the mischief, which has caused a variety of surmises as to its origin. Mr Strange lately published an appeal to his neighbours to aid him in solving the mystery. The youth’s term of apprenticeship expires this week.
Essex Standard, 9th March 1866.