“Ghosts” at Browndown.
For some months past (says the Western Morning News) the huts at Browndown have had the reputation of being haunted. Browndown is a desolate spot at the best of times, and in the long nights the open ground lends itself admirably to the sport of sprites. Besides, a few months ago an officer committed suicide in the quarters, and one or two other deaths have occurred to disturb the pleasures of an isolated existence. with the minds of the officers and men of the detachment duly prepared for special surprises, the most remarkable sounds have been heard.
Outside the officers’ mess there is a wire mat, and the moment it is stepped upon a noise is made, followed up to bedtime by the opening of the door by an occupier or friend. Precisely at 10.35 every night the sound is repeated. you look round for the door to be opened, but are disappointed. You suddenly open the door and the noise ceases, but no object is visible. In the course of the night men have from time to time looked out of the window to take a snap shot at the departing intruder, but they have brought down no game.
There is a bedroom on either side of the officers’ mess-room, and a few night’s since there was the sound as of furniture being thrown about. Sleep was impossible, and the two officers ran simultaneously into the mess-room, only to find themselves face to face with each other. The sounds suddenly ceased, only to be resumed as soon as the two officers had returned to bed.
Here was a splendid field for psychological investigation. That ghosts were at work was the general belief, but unhappily for the sake of a first-class mystery the truth has been revealed. Browndown is infested with rats.
Hampshire Telegraph, 9th February 1895.