Father Moody's Black Veil

Charles Montgomery Skinner (1852-1907) was an American writer who published myths and legends collection books. His dream was to make American folklore heritage more glorious. Skinner worked in a wide range of genres, he worked as a journalist and a playwright.

This short piece of prose represents a bright example of Skinner's writing style -- laconic and clear. The central figure of the story is Reverend Joseph Moody who, for some strange reason, conceals his face behind a black veil. Noboby knows why he does so, and his secreat is revealed only in the our of dying.