There was a haunted house down South which was carefully avoided by all
the superstitious negroes. But a new arrival in the community, named
Sam, bragged of his bravery as too superior to be shaken by any ghosts,
and declared that, for the small sum of two dollars cash in hand paid,
he would pass the night alone in the haunted house. A score of other
darkies contributed, and the required amount was raised. It was not,
however, to be delivered to the courageous Sam until his reappearance
after the vigil. With this understanding the boaster betook himself to
the haunted house for the night.
When a select committee sought for Sam next morning, no trace of him was
found. Careful search for three days failed to discover the missing
negro.
But on the fourth day Sam entered the village street, covered with mud
and evidently worn with fatigue.
"Hi, dar, nigger!" one of the bystanders shouted. "Whar you-all been de
las' foh days?"
And Sam answered simply:
"Ah's been comin' back."