The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IN THE LOCALITY OF EASTERN TOLEDO, OHIO, THERE IS A TRUE STORY TOLD
OF A COUPLE OF YOUNG GIRLS WHO WANTED TO GO TO A DANCE DURING LENT.
KNOWING THEIR PARENTS WOULD NEVER ALLOW THEM TO ATTEND, THE GIRLS
WENT TO THE DANCE UNDER THE FALSE PRETENSE OF ATTENDING LENTEN
DEVOTIONS AT THE PARISH CHURCH. THE YOUNG LADIES HAD A GAY TIME AT
THE DANCE AND MET THE MOST HANDSOME YOUNG MAN THEY HAD EVER LAID
EYES ON. THE YOUNG GENTLEMAN ASKED TO TAKE THEM HOME AFTERWARDS.
THEY CONSENTED AND WHEN IT CAME TIME TO SAY GOODNIGHT THEY SHOOK HIS
HAND ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT IT WAS THE CLAW OF AN ANIMAL}MUCH DISMAYED
THE GIRLS TOLD THEIR MOTHERS AND SHE EXPLAINED IT WAS THE DEVIL}

Where learned: NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

Keyword(s): DECEIT

Date learned: NOT RECORDED BY THE COLLECTOR