When traveling through the town of Sleepy Hollow at night, one would do well to be on one's guard. The town is said to be haunted by a ghost who rides on horseback and is missing his head. He has many names, but is known primarily as the Headless Horseman. He comes out at night in search for his head, but because he is unable to find it, he will take the heads of those he comes across. He is never satisfied, so he comes out night after night, and continues his savagery on those unlucky enough to be in his path.

I know you think this is just a silly little ghost story that holds not one speck of truth. But answer me this: Whatever happened to the schoolteacher Ichabod Crane? You know as well as I that he ventured into Sleepy Hollow and was never heard from again. He, too, shrugged off these stories as superstitious nonsense and did not feel the need to be cautious. Most in the town say that he was pursued by the Headless Horseman, and that his life was claimed in his attempt to get away.

But don't listen to me. What do I know? Go to Sleepy Hollow and have a wonderful time there. But if you are out at night and suddenly hear a persistent galloping, do not turn around. For if you do, you will surely find yourself staring at a large black horse, upon which rests a cloaked black figure who appears to be lacking a head. If you do happen to find yourself in such a situation, don't say I didn't warn you.


(The Legend of Sleepy Hollow can be found here: http://www.bartleby.com/310/2/2.html/)