Humorous Ghost Stories

urse, Parsons and Hacker spoke free and often on the subject, for 'twas the greatest adventure as had ever come to them in

ff one night to White Works, just the same as he used to do when he was courting Hyssop Burges; and there was the little part

big a wonder as that they tell about of the old miser's tea-things. I'm sure we all gi

'twas a coorious come-along-of-it, and he didn't har

ey's money, as who should know better than me? And, by the same token, I want

me, Mr. Drak

arlor; and when they was there, she sat down in her old corner of the horsehair sofa and lo

o more," he said. "In a word, be you tokened again? I suppose you be, for you're not the

you-you throwed me over," she answ

egan to grow terrible excited now; and he walked up and down, taking shorter and shorter stri

e bursts

found at Dunnabridge. But the truth of the matter is,

derful thing; and we sat up all n

ll me-tell me what the figure of your legacy was. You must

xcited, but very well kno

t," she answered. "I thoug

u'd got more than me, and that was all I cared about; but no

ty pound and the interest-a little over

God!" h

till, or if she knew too much about his w

took h

f the story from her. By that time the old people at White Works and Tom Pars

ore a hundred years old could never have been managed. Then old Thomas, who was in the secret, of course, and played the part of Miser Brimpson, and got five pounds for doing it so clever, and another five after from his master, when the stuff was found-he thought upon trinkums and jewels; and finally Mrs. Stonewer, as had a friend in the business, said that Sheffield plate would do

k twelve, and bided there looking out into the yard for an hour, keen as the hawk that he was. He thought I must be asleep; but well I knowed he was seeking for an old man in a beaver h

secrets be hid?" And, knowing father so well as I had, I felt very sure as it might make a mighty lot of difference. So, in my crafty way, I hedged, and told mother that, for my part, I felt sartain

. I've kept it in long enough, and I can't trust myself to do it no more. He've got to know, and

, when 'tis my turn to join my parents again, I shall find no shad

TNO

uat, w

NTED PH

McENER

o

June, 1909. By permis

nted Ph

McENER

It hung sumptuously framed in plush, over the Widow Morris's mantel, the one res

ully pronounced "a strikin' likeness," to sympathize with the townsfolk who looked askance at the bereaved

a fire through which she had not passed, but out of which she had come a widow-she proudly passed it arou

in it. All that row o' winders where you see the awnin's down, they're his-an

hat key don't go out o' his belt unless he knows who's gettin' what-an'

at

t partly to know, as neither man nor key appeared in the photograph, and partly to parry the "historic allusion"-a distur

to call him 'St. Peter,' an' he takes it in good part, for, he declares, if there is such a thing as a similitude to the kingdom o' Heaven in

own vernacular, "a lonely, conflagrated widow, with a heart full of ashes," before the glad moment when it was given her to discern in it an unsuspected and novel value. First had come, as a faint gleam of

him surely and broadly within-at large in the great house, free to pass at will from one room to another. To have had him fixed, no matter how effectively, would

sicality of it was an appeal to her sensitized imagination, and so, when finally

est approach to the alleged occupant's bosom, when she was suddenly startled by a peculiar swishing sound, as of wind-blown rain, whereupon she lifted her face to perceive that it was indeed raining, and then, glancin

ing, for, she sobbed, it made her feel, for a minute, that she had

orris cried. She said that she cried all night, first because it seemed so spooky to see him whose remains she h

because, after all

s, of delight in it, for there is even delight in tears-in some situations in life. Especially is thi

rain to stop. It seemed to have set in for a long spell, for when she finally fell asleep, "from sheer disappointment, 'lon

el, as the fact that it had one time rained in the photograph at the same time that it rained outside was but a coincidence and she was so

t she might have to go to him, and she was beginning to experience terror, with shortness of breath and other premonitions of sudden passing, when she discovered that he was merely ki

. He's 'most as much care to me dead as he was

fidelity challenged,

some things, there's hereafters for all. From what I can gather, I reckon I'm a kind of a cross between a Swedenborgian and a Gates-ajar-that, of course, engrafted on to a Methodist. Now, that hotel, when it was consumed by fire, which to it was the same as

s. It would seem hard for a hotel with so many awned-off corridors an'

ture as she spoke, and as she began to back down she dis

e exclaimed. "Like as not y

back into the closet, she rema

sure out o' this picture than what I have had-or will be likely to

green-eyed monster constrictor, who, if given full

heard the last remark, and Mrs. Morris, seeing that she was th

, I never thought about her bein' burned in with Morris till puss give her away. Puss never did like the girl when she was alive, an' the first time I see her scratch an' spit at the picture, just the way

fingers against her nose, too, most defiant and impolite. So I says to puss I says, 'Puss,' I says, 'there's goin's on in that hotel, sure as fate. Annabel Bender has got the better o' me, for once!' An', tell the tr

finitely divorced by a longevitied family-an' another burned in with him-well, his faithfulness is

h in Scripture, Mary Marthy Matthews, named after two Bible women an' born daughter to an apostle? What's the use?' I'd say, an' so, first an' last, I'd get a sort o' alpha an' omega comfort out o' the passage about no givin' in marriage. Still, there'd be times, pray as I would, when them thr

he minute he reelized she'd be there interminable. That's Morris. Why, didn't he used to get nervous just seein' me around, an' me his own selected? An' didn't I use to make some excuse to send him over to M

adour! So, knowin' my man, I'd take courage an' I'd think, 'Seein' me cut off, he'll soon be wantin' me more than ever'-an' so he does. It's got so now that, glance up at that hotel any time I will, I can generally find him on the lookout, an'

t only brightened in the light of her delusion, but proceeded to meet the conditions of her own life by opening a small shop in her home, a

al disturbance was surely giving place to an

swish of thin silk, with a breath of familiar perfume, and, looking up, whom did she see but t

rd-and had to be revived, so that for the space of some minutes things happened very fast-that is, if we may believe

hich she held her breath against until it got to be a case of smell or die, an' she smelt! Then it was a case of temporary spasms for a minute, the salts spillin' out over her face, but when the accident evaporated, an' she opened her eyes, rational, I thought to myself, 'Maybe she don't know she's keeled an' would be humiliated if she did,' so I acted callous, an' I says, offhand like, I says, pushi

an' backin', I giv' 'er stimulus an' d'rectly she turned upon me one rememberable gaze, an' she says, 'Doctors,' says she, 'would you think they'd hav

erself with her loosely falling lock

, sure! An' so old Morris is dead-burned in that old hotel! We

l of gilt hairpins and her

' Needles Hotel at Pineville at the time-an' there's no regular mail there. I thought the story might be exaggerated. Oh no, I didn't marry the night clerk. I'm a bride now, married to the head steward, same rank as poor

awer. I recollect how old Morris used to look forward to her angel-cakes week-ends he'd be goin' home, an' you know there's nothin' like havin' ammunition, in marriage, even if you never need it. Mine's in

folks my ring an' things, an' let 'em see it's really so. He give me consi

e didn't like to be seen traversin' the same old haunts with Another till it was up. I wouldn't wait because, tell the truth, I was afraid. He ain't like a married man with me about money yet, an' it's liable to seize him any day. He might say

would make an excuse for me to go in. They say they have high old times there. Some days they let the inmates do 'most any old thing that's harmless. They even give 'em unpoisonous paints an' let 'em paint each other

an' hide the matches. But, of course, Mis' Morris may get the better of it. 'Tain' every woman that can stand wido

was a perso

supposed rival had actually shown up in the flesh, she visibly braced up. Her neighbors understood that it must have been a shock "to b

dow confided to a friend that she was coming to

times he'll detect an event on the way to happening, an' if it don't move too fast, why, I can hustle an' get t

yes of those newly in love came to shine from the face of the widow

ay that I have never been so truly and ideely marrie

dinous, for everybody knows that anythin

so much more natural, but she immediately reflected that that hotel would never have gotten i

e and still. Fire is white in its ultimate intensity. The top, spinning its fastest, is said to

in her drinking-water. If he secretly knew that kind nature was gently letting down the bars so that a waiting spir

hen she passed painlessly out of life.

dside the night she went, and to the

carryin's-on from them windows-why, she'll be disappointed-she or they. The one obnoxious person I thought was in it wasn't. My imagination was tempted of Satan an' I was misled. So it must be sold for just what it is-just a photographer's photograph. If it's a picture with a past, why, everybody knows what that past

compense her for her discretion in leaving that h

o have the hen settin' in the window showcase any longer. It was a good advertisement, but I've ofte

th to her-to make amends-an' if she don't care to come for it, let every widow in town draw for it. But she'll come. 'Most any woman'll take any trip, if it's paid for-But look!" she raised her eyes excitedly toward the

rris-I'm

eful sleep from which she ea

accord and went to the mantel, where one even lighted an

ly on

er, but it does look d

e candle. "Like a house for rent. I d

for it," whispered a third, "but I wouldn't

er wou

s portrait has brought me discord enough-an' it was a straight like

ing ran amo

w for it-an' take it if I win it, an' consider it a sort o

iden lady, and so was she

up. It's more than I've got now. I do declare it's just scandalous the way we're gigglin', an' the poor soul har

there'd been a better man wa

THAT GOT

ILL

o

4, 1913. By permission of Co

that Got

ILL

ening lace the carbine barrels of the night sentries as they walked post, Sergeants Hansen and Whitney and Corporal Whitehall had come to Stone's r

hree sergeants reposed in restful, if inelegant attitudes, and Whitehall, his feet on the window sill and his wooden chair til

a drink she says: 'You git outer yere! You men fum de Arsenic wid de crossbones on you caps,

a raucous, shrieking noise that rose and fell in lugubrious

ks he's singin'. Funny you never heard him before, Kid,

's the matter. Feel sick? Where's the pain?"

ey, and hospitably handed over his tobacco-pouch.

down. "That there tune was 'I Wonde

Teeth Are Plugged with Z

Knot Hole in Papa's Woo

he Ashman a Manicur

a soldier, an' while he sang they was showin' tabloids o' what the goil was a-doin' behind him; an' then when she sang her voise he'd be in the tabloid, an' when it got ter the last voise, an' he was dyin' on a stretcher in a ambulance, everybody in the house was a-cryin' so yer could ha

w yo'all were there then. Why did yo' n

l proudly. "It's a great ol' regimen

, ponderously taking his pipe from his mou

ny, same

h abruptly to say something, but th

ands. We chucked away mos' every last thing on that hike but canteens an' rifles. It was a darn fool thing ter do-the chuckin' was, o' course-but it come out all right, 'cause extree supplies follered us up on the Pie-ho in junks. Ain't that a funny name fer a river? Pie-ho? E

hese here cold nights. It gits almighty cold there in September, an' it was sure the spookies

against he'd slide through slick as a greased rat. The Cap'n, he knew it, too. Onct when we was fightin' an' hadn't no men to spare, he lef' Buck on guard over about twenty-five Boxer prisoners in a courtyard an' tells him he dassent let one escape. But Buck wants ter git into the fight with the rest of the boys, an' when he finds that if he leaves them Chinos loose in the yard alone they

jus' like us excep' that they're thicker an' we're longer? An' their Injun niggers-ain't we seen their clothes in the comic op'ras an' them without their clothes in the monkey cage at Central Park? An' their Hong-kong China Regiment an' all the other Chinos is jus' the same as yer meet in the pipe joints in Mott Street. Then,' says he, 'come all the Dagos. These leather

f the pup didn't stand in me an' Buck an' Ranch, he swore he'd quit too, so we had to let him come, an' he messed an' bunked with our outfit right along. Ranch named him Daggett, after the Colonel, which was right hard on the C. O., but I bet Ranch thought he was complimentin' him. Why, Ranch considered himself honored if any of the pup's fleas hopped off on him. The pup he

ggett. Long about taps, Buck, who's been out on a private reconnoissance, comes back an' whispers ter me: 'Ssst, Bill! The cur's found! Don't tell Ranch; the bloke'd die of heart failure. I struck his trail an' follered it-an' say, Bill, what'n thunder do yer think? Them heathen Chinos has et him!' Lord, now, wouldn't that jolt youse? Them Chinos a-eatin' Daggett! It give me an awful jar, an' Bu

not ter let on ter Ranch; an' now here c

in me. I was all to the bad that time fer sure. Before I had time ter think even, that screamin', streakin' thing was on me an a-grabbin' roun' my knees; an' then I see it was one o' them near-Christian Chinos, an' he's skeered more'n me even. His eyes had popped clean out'n their slits, an' his tongue was hangin' out by the roots, he was that locoed. I raised the long yell fer corporal of the guard, which happened, by good luck, ter be Buck, an' when he come a-runnin', thinkin' from the whoops I give we was

nges), an' this tangerine's-I mean mandarin's-name was Wu Ti Ming, an' he'd been a high mucky-muckraker in his day, which was tw

ge Ming do then, John? Use string or pins?' This here John didn't seem ter savvy, but he said that the mandarin took on so fer his button an' his loss of pull in the ward that it was sure sad

by them lady barbers on Fourth Avenyer wo

scared up, but fer the last twenty years he'd kep' right quiet an' had hardly ever come out; but now sence the foreign devils come (ain't that a sweet name fer us?) he's up an' at it again worse than ever, an' the heathens is on their ear. Fer four nights now they'd

till he gits that button back

ck, 'why don't y

ly Emplor, only S

t of a pore busted police-court judge, who's lost his job an' his tin, if that's all he wants back. What time does he come out at, John? C

told John ter git the hook, an' we talked things over, an' Buck he was just wild ter see if he couldn't lay

him ter-morrer after guard mount.

s, if it's a real ghost. And things here in Pekin' is so funny the odds is all in favor of its bein' the sure thing. I ain't afeard o' no kinds o' people, but I sure git cold feet when I'm up against a ghost. Wouldn't

hn, who was waitin' fer us in the road jus' beyond where the last sentry woulder seen him. It was cold as git out. Jus' the sa

jollied 'em that the Melican soldier mans was big medicine an' would make Judge Ming quit the midnight hike an' cut out scarin' 'em blue. That jus' suited Buck; he was all there when it come ter play commander in chief. He swelled up an' give 'em

e. There was a new moon that night-a little shavin' of a thing that hardly gave no light, an' from where we was there was a twisty pine tree branch that struck out right acrost it like a picture card-two fer five. The graveyard was all dark an' quiet, with little piles o' rocks an' stone tables ter mark the graves, an' a four- or five-foot wall runnin' all round it; an' somehow, without nothin' stirrin' at all, the whole blame place seemed chock full o' movin' shadders. There wasn't a sound neither; not the least little thing; jus' them shadders; an' the

drop a mile away) nearly nips a piece out'

d, but I didn't hear no

yer,' he whispers, 'Lis

against his ribs without bustin' out, an' me hair riz so high me campaign hat was three inches off'n me head. I hope ter the Lord I'll never be so frightened again in all my livin' days. I set there in a transom from fear an' friz ter the spot. I don't know nothin' o' what Buck was doin', as my lamps was glued ter the spook. It jumped down from the wall, callin' an' whistlin' an' begin runnin' round the little stone heaps. I seen it was comin' our way, but I couldn't move or make a sound; I jus' set. All of a suddent Buck he jumps up

'Quit yellin'! I say quit yellin'! Don't y

n' ter tech that Mi

ells back, 'can't yer see it

jumped on an' waked up in the middle of a graveyard that-a-way. Pore ol' feller ha

oo-oo, oh-oo-oo, here Daggett! Here, boy!" an' then he'd whistle an' call again: "Here, Daggett! Here, Daggett!" That's how I knew it was Ra

as Ranch, why did yer give him the flyin' tackle l

me along I give him the spook's tackle without thinkin'; I was too skeered ter

him about things-all but how Daggett was et-an' I wrapped his blanket around hi

er shanks with years laid back an' eyes rollin'), ter him bury his United States button on Ming's rock pile. He dropped it in solemn, an' said what the Chinks took ter be a prayer; but it was really the oath he said. Buck havin' onct been a recruitin' sergeant, knew it by heart all the way from 'I do solemnly swear' ter 'so help me, Gawd.'

quiet. But them Chinks was the gratefullest gang yer ever seen. They brought us presents; things ter eat-fruit, poultry, eggs, an' all sorts of chow, some of it mighty funny lookin', but i

he, "most nine o'clock. I got ter go over ter K troop ter see Sergeant

r yo' tale," shouted Whitney after

Stone, and loo

ot the finest liar! Yess? I wass in the Fourteenth myselluf. That wass

is enlistment card only this mornin', and the only thing he was ever in before was the Twenty-

s equal to most anything but gettin' so many facts straight. Of c

camp last Chuly. He an' I wass often talking of China. He wuss in my old company an' wass then te

hall, "tryin' ter pass that off on

he may have forg

ant to hit the bunk. Reveille does seem to come so early these cold mornin's. Gee! I wish I knew of

CTER BR

HINGTO

o

cter Br

eler's

HINGTO

upper for

cold, I tro

o chamber

ay-Steel has

Grahame, and S

stood, many, many years since, the Castle of the Baron Von Landshort. It is now quite fallen to decay, and almost buried among beech trees and dark firs; above which, h

avored to keep up some show of former state. The times were peaceable, and the German nobles, in general, had abandoned their inconvenient old castles, perched like eagles' nests among the mountains, and had built more convenient residences in the valleys; still the

ttle German courts, and were skilled in all branches of knowledge necessary to the education of a fine lady. Under their instructions she became a miracle of accomplishments. By the time she was eighteen, she could embroider to admiration, and had worked whole histories of the saints in tapestry, with such strength of expression in their countenances, that they looked like so many souls in purgatory. She could read without great difficulty, and had spelled her way through several chu

s a superannuated coquette. She was rarely suffered out of their sight; never went beyond the domains of the castle, unless well attended, or rather well watched; had continual lectures read to her about strict decorum and implicit obedience; and,

ed and thrown aside by every hand, she was coyly blooming into fresh and lovely womanhood under the protection of those immaculate spinsters, like a rosebud blushing forth among guardian thorns. Her aunts loo

essed the affectionate disposition common to humble relatives; were wonderfully attached to the baron, and took every possible occasion to come in swarms and enliven the castle. All family festivals were commemo

o listeners equal to those that fed at his expense. He was much given to the marvelous, and a firm believer in all those supernatural tales with which every mountain and valley in Germany abounds. The faith of his guests exceeded even his own: they listened to every tale of wonder with ope

ia, to unite the dignity of their houses by the marriage of their children. The preliminaries had been conducted with proper punctilio. The young people were betrothed without seeing each other, and the time was appointed for the marriage ceremony. The young Count Von Altenb

er toilet, and quarreled the whole morning about every article of her dress. The young lady had taken advantage of their contest to follow the bent of her own tas

that was going on in her little heart. The aunts were continually hovering around her; for maiden aunts are apt to take great interest in affairs

passive when all the world was in a hurry. He worried from top to bottom of the castle with an air of infinite anxiety; he continually called the servants from

yed to make his appearance. Hour rolled after hour. The sun, that had poured his downward rays upon the rich forest of the Odenwald, now just gleamed along the summits of the mountains. The baron mounted the highest tower, and strained his eyes in hope of catching a distant sight of the count and his attendants. Once he thought he beheld them; the sounds of horns came floating from the valley, prolonged by the m

ate of perplexity, a very interesting scene was

iting for him, as certainly as a dinner at the end of his journey. He had encountered at Wurtzburg a youthful companion in arms with whom he had seen some service on the frontiers: Herman Von Starkenfaust, one of the stoutest hands and

and fortunes, and the count gave the whole history of his intended nuptials with a young lady

ir journey together; and, that they might do it the more leisurely, set off from Wurtzburg at

and adventures; but the count was apt to be a little tedious, now and then

anded soldiers wandering about the country. It will not appear extraordinary, therefore, that the cavaliers were attacked by a gang of these stragglers, in the midst of the forest. They defended themselves with bravery, but were nearly overpowered, when the count's retinue arrived to their assistance. At sight of them the robbers f

ld be speedily and courteously executed. "Unless this is done," said he, "I shall not sleep quietly in my grave!" He repeated these last words with peculiar solemnity. A request, at a moment so impressive, admitted no hesitation. Starkenfaust endeavored to soothe him to calmness; promised faithfully to execu

nt himself an unbidden guest among hostile people, and to damp their festivity with tidings fatal to their hopes. Still, there were certain whisperings of curiosity in his bosom to see this far-famed beauty of K

the funeral solemnities of his friend, who was to be buried in the cathedral of Wurtzburg near so

nbogen, who were impatient for their guest, and still more for their dinner;

household had the look of a garrison that had been reduced by famine. The baron was obliged reluctantly to give orders for the feast without the presence of the guest. All were seated at table, and just on the point of commencing, when the sound

was a tall, gallant cavalier mounted on a black steed. His countenance was

sed to consider it a want of proper respect for the important occasion, and the important family with which he was to be connected. He pacified h

ranger, "to break in upon

iments and greetings; for, to tell the truth, he

y leading forth the shrinking and blushing bride. He gazed on her for a moment as one entranced; it seemed as if his whole soul beamed forth in the gaze, and rested upon that lovely form. One of the maiden aunts whispered something in her ear; she made an effort to speak; her moist blue eye was timidly raised; gave a shy glance of inquiry on the

ley. The baron was peremptory, and deferred all particular conver

y had gained in the field and in the chase. Hacked corselets, splintered jousting spears, and tattered banners were mingled with the spoils of sylvan warfare; the jaws of th

atch the softest whisper of the lover? There was a mingled tenderness and gravity in his manner, that appeared to have a powerful effect upon the young lady. Her color came and went as she listened with deep attention. Now and then she made some blushing reply, and when his eye was turned away, she

anything facetious, they were sure to laugh exactly in the right place. The baron, it is true, like most great men, was too dignified to utter any joke but a dull one; it was always enforced, however, by a bumper of excellent Hockheimer; and even a dull joke, at one's own table, served up with jolly old wine, is irresistible. Many good th

ar, even the baron's jokes seemed only to render him the more melancholy. At times he was lost in thought, and at times there was a perturbed and restless wandering of the eye that bespoke a mind but

e head. The song and the laugh grew less and less frequent; there were dreary pauses in the conversation, which were at length succeeded by wild tales and supernatural legends. One dismal story produced another still more dismal, and the b

gradually to rise from his seat, growing taller and taller, until, in the baron's entranced eye, he seemed almost to tower into a giant. The moment t

y, everything was prepared for his reception; a

ly and mysteriously; "I must lay my

was uttered, that made the baron's heart misgive him; but

ng his farewell to the company, stalked slowly out of the hall. The maiden aunt

snorting with impatience. When they had reached the portal, whose deep archway was dimly lighted by a cresset, the st

impart to you the reason of my going. I ha

, "cannot you send so

must attend it in person-I mus

irit, "but not until to-morrow-to-mo

worms! the worms expect me! I am a dead man-I have been slain by robbers-my body lies at Wur

drawbridge, and the clattering of his horses' ho

s, of wood-demons, and of other supernatural beings, with which the good people of Germany have been so grievously harassed since time immemorial. One of the poor relations ventured to suggest that it might be some sportive evasion of the young cavalier, and that the very gloominess of the caprice seem

to an end by the arrival, next day, of regular missives confirming the intel

ps in the hall, shaking their heads and shrugging their shoulders at the troubles of so good a man; and sat longer than ever at table, and ate and drank more stoutly than ever, by way of keeping up their spirits. But the situation of the

ed a small garden. The niece lay pensively gazing at the beams of the rising moon, as they trembled on the leaves of an aspen-tree before the lattice. The castle-clock had just tolled midnight, when a soft strain of music stole up from the garden. She rose hastily from her bed, and stepped lightly to the window. A tall figure stood among the shadows

e calculated to satisfy the affections of a love-sick girl, yet, where the substance is not to be had, even that is consoling. The aunt declared she would never sleep in that chamber again; the niece, for once, was refractory, and declared as strongly that she would sleep in no other in the castle: t

s, however, still quoted in the neighborhood, as a memorable instance of female secrecy, that she kept it to herself for a whole week; when she was suddenly absolved from all further restraint,

mishaps of a great man cause among his friends. Even the poor relations paused for a moment from the indefatigable labors of the trencher, when

for they had heard the clattering of a horse's hoofs down the mountain about midnight, and had no doubt that it was the specter on his black charger, bearing her away to

d glen of the Odenwald. The baron himself had just drawn on his jack-boots, girded on his sword, and was about to mount his steed to sally forth on the doubtful quest, when he was brought to a pause by a new apparition. A lady was seen approaching the castle, mounted on a palfrey, attended by a cavalier on horseback. She galloped up to the gate, sprang from her horse, and falling at the baron's feet, embraced his knees. It was his lost daughter, and her

hat the eloquence of the baron had interrupted him in every attempt to tell his tale. How the sight of the bride had completely captivated him, and that to pass a few hours near her, he had tacitly suffered the mistake to continue. How he had been sorely perplexed in what way to make a decent r

alive; and, though her husband was of a hostile house, yet, thank Heaven, he was not a goblin. There was something, it must be acknowledged, that did not exactly accord with his notions of strict veracity, in the joke the knight had passed

-and so rich. The aunts, it is true, were somewhat scandalized that their system of strict seclusion and passive obedience should be so badly exemplified, but attributed it all to their negligence in not having the windows grated. One of them w

TNO

ive that the above Tale must have been suggested to the old Swiss by a l

rful in former times. The appellation, we are told, was given in comp

TER OF T

by RICH

o

ter of T

Ingolds

by RICH

e of an old-fashioned bedstead, in an old-fashioned apartment of a still more old-fashioned manor-house; "'t

reasonable a person as any young gentleman of twenty-two in "the service" can fairly be expected to be-cooled whe

sult; and the footsteps of as tight a lad as ever

eaforth that he had locked himself in. "By Heaven! this is the oddest thing of

ere are my

, casting an inquiring eye round the

ave you done

nable tunic from a cane-backed arm-chair, proceeding in his examination. But the search was vain; there was the tunic aforesaid,

the master, with a strong a

ow I knows,"

, who has been here and carried them off!" cr

ion of his countrymen, still he looked as i

on that arm-chair, when I got into bed; and, by Heaven! I distinctly saw the ghost of the ol

was the cau

as a dream; but then-where

renewed his search, while the lieutenant folded his arm

e trick of my laughter-lov

observation was not addressed to him; "and will it be Miss

some other entrance to the room-pooh! I remember-the private staircase; how could I be such a fool?" and he crossed the chamber to where a low oaken doorcase was dimly visible in a distant corner. He paused b

" said Seaforth; "I wish with

ns!" sighed Mr.

h opened on the gallery-two heavy bolts on the inside effectually prevented any coup de main on the lieutenant's bivouac from that quarter. He was more puzzled than ever; nor d

s of soap and sand. But it is with one particular apartment that a deed of more especial atrocity is said to be connected. A stranger guest-so runs the legend-arrived unexpectedly at the mansion of the "Bad Sir Giles." They met in apparent friendship; but the ill-concealed scowl on their master's brow told the domestics that the visit was not a welcome one; the banquet, however, was not spared; the wine-cup circulated freely-too freely, perhaps-for sounds of discord at length reached the ears of even the excluded serving-men,

a more subdued tone, till, as evening closed in, the domestics, when summoned to attend with lights, found not only cordiality restored, but that a still deeper car

nds, had afforded him, in the old knight's time, of following his wicked courses unchecked by parental observation; a consideration which ceased to be of weight when the death of his father left him uncontrolled master of his estate and actions. From that period

ed them were too timid to express. Apoplexy, induced by the excesses of the preceding night, Sir Giles's confidential leech pronounced to be the cause of his sudden dissolution. The body was buried in peace; and though some shook their heads as they witnessed the haste with which the funeral rites were hurried on, none ventured to murmur. Other events arose to distract the

m: the property passed unchallenged to a collateral branch of the family, and the secret, if secret there were, was buried in Denton churchyard, in the lonely grave of the mysterious stranger. One circumstance alone occurred, after a long-intervening period, to revive the memory of these transactions. Some workmen employed in grubbing an old plantation, for the purpose of raising on its site a modern shrubbery, du

Tapton Everard smiled when he heard Dame Jones's hint of deeds which might impeach the validity of his own title in favor of some unknown descendant of some unknown heir; and the story was rarely alluded to, save by one or two miracle-mongers, who had heard that others had seen the ghost of old Sir Giles, in his night-cap, issue from the postern, enter the adjoining copse, and wring his shadowy hands in agony, as he seemed to search vainly for something

at of the redoubted Sir Giles himself. The gallant commander had that very morning paid his first visit to the house of his maternal uncle, after an absence of several years passed with his regiment on the arid plains of Hindostan, whence he was now returned on a three years' furlough. He had gone out a boy-he returned a man; but the impression made upon his youthf

s of one, and the requests of the other, soon precluded the possibility of refusing to len

g her cap at the young squire, though Mrs. Botherby did not believe it; and, above all, there was Mademoiselle Pauline, her femme de chambre, who "mon-Dieu'd" everything and everybody, and cried "Quel horreur!" at Mrs. Botherby's cap. In short, to use the last-named and much-respected lady's own expression, the house was "choke-full" to the very attics-all save the "oaken chamber," which, as the

: what can have made you so idle?" Such was the morning salutation of Miss Ingoldsby to

ent with," chimed in Miss Frances. "What is bec

a promise now," said Mrs. Peters, a litt

aid Mr. Peters, "I remember

was that?" asked Mr.

ried Mrs. Peters, I w

ed his better half, who had a mortal horror of chronological refe

en as he was, and in the immediate presence of her who had made so large a hole in his heart, his manner was evidently distrait, which the fair Caroline in her secre

by the evidence of some furtive smile or conscious look. But in vain; not a dimple moved indicative of roguery, nor did the slightest elevation of eyebrow

ver the downs, till, every faculty absorbed by the beauties, animate and inanimate, which surrounded him. Lieutenant Seaf

ams a splendid rainbow in the far-off west, whither the heavy cloud, which for the

turfy ride of the preceding day, that a less scrupulous domestic might, perhaps, have considered the application of "Warren's Matchless," or oxalic acid, altogether superfluous. Not so Barney: with the nicest care had he removed the slightest impurity from each polished surface, and there they stood, rejoicing in their sable radiance. No wonder a pang shot across Mr. Maguire's breast as he

Rome, majest

g, and the man was fitting straps upon a light pair of crane-necked spurs, wh

nowhere to

o match" were there: loose jean trousers, surmounting a pair of diminutive Wellingtons, embraced, somewhat incongruously, his

the rain," said Mr.

ps," said Mr. Peters. "I r

ces. Her precise reason for this it would be difficult to determine, unless, indeed, the story be true which a little bird had whispered into Mrs. Botherby's ear-Mr. Peters, though now a wealthy m

"But Charles, what the deuce are you about? you don't

Julia Simpkinson, "w

take Tom's cab,"

Ogleton had already nailed the cab, a vehicle of

, indifferent as an equestrian, had acquired some fame as a whip while traveli

r album, following in the family coach. The gentleman-commoner "voted the affair d--d slow," and declined the party altogether in favor of the gamekeeper and a cigar. "There was 'no fun' in looking at

an old abbey bef

e at Ramsgate; he teaches the Miss Jones

her album with an air

t. His inaugural essay on the President's cocked hat was considered a miracle of erudition; and his account of the earliest application of gilding to gingerbread, a masterpiece of antiquarian research. His eldest daughter was of a kindred spirit: if her father's mantle had not fallen upon her, it was only because he had not thrown it off himself; she had caught hold of its tail, however, while it yet hung upon his honored shoulders. To souls so congenial, what a sight was the magnificent ruin of Bolsover! its broken arches, its mouldering pinnacles, and the airy

monarch to the Holy Land, in the expedition undertaken by way of penance for the murder of his young nephews in the Tower. Upon the dissolution of the monasteries, the veteran was enfeoffed in the lands and manor, t

Mr. Peters; "I've heard tell of him,

harply interrupted his lady. P. was silence

re held in grand serjeantry by the presenta

said Miss Julia. Mr. P

ney, whenever the king should come a rat

squire, pausing abruptly in t

venison? 'Rats and mice, and such small deer,' eh?-Shakespeare, you know. Our ancestors ate rats ('T

one in the Sohological Gardens-a little hook

tined never to

and the would-be naturalist shrank into his sh

Simpkinson. "A learned man was Blount! Why, sir, His Royal Highne

ble Peters; "he was hanged at the Old Baile

f the interruption; but, taking a pi

ny county histories, now publishing by an eminent friend of mine, you will find that Langhale in Co. Norf. was held by one Baldwin p

ss of sherry?" cried T

u, sir. This Baldw

the same time filling a glass, and forcing it on the s?avant, who, thus arrested in the v

vered there?" continued Tom; "something

part on the dilapidated remains of an altar-tomb, committing eagerly to paper something that had strongly impressed her; the air-t

of brawn which he had just begun to operate upon, but which, from the celeri

then the ivy clustered so thickly and so beautifully on the other side, that they went round to look at that; and then their proximity deprived it of half its effect, and so they walked across to a little knoll, a hundred yards off, and in crossing a small ravine, they came to what in Ireland they call "a bad step," and Charles had to carr

ulia Simpkinson, "how l

natural one. They were gone a long while, and a nice cosy chat

bt, and the moon, and eye

ot pretend to say, indeed, that one or more of these pretty subjects might not have been introduc

ave had some very odd dreams s

lady, arching her taper neck like a

; for, though repeated, it was still the sa

ngue; "I have not the least difficulty in guessi

your great-

in the glance-"My

my bedroom in his short cloak of murrey-colored velvet, his long rapier, and his Ralei

hat wa

es, which were visible, w

el

of my pantaloons; whipped his long bony legs into them in a twinkling; and strutting up to the glass, seemed to view himself in it with great complacency. I tried to speak, but in vain. The ef

. How can you ta

the breeches ar

f upon the rug, and subducting his coat-tails one under each arm, turned towards the fire that portion of the human frame which it is considered equally indecorous to present to a friend or an enemy. A serious, not to say anxious, expression was visible upon his good

country, had never seen such a pair of breeches in her life-Omne ignotum pro magnifico! The scarlet streak, inflamed as it was by the reflection of the fire, seemed to act on Flora's nerves as the same color does on those of bulls and turkeys; she advanc

ied the sympathizing lady, with a scrut

s and marmalade, newspapers, and Finnan haddies, left little room for observation on the character of Charles's warlike "turn-out." At length a look from Caroline, followed by a smile that nearly ripened to a titter, caused him to turn abruptly and address his neighbor. It was Miss Simpkinson, who, deeply engaged in sipping her tea and turning over her album, seemed, like a female Chrononotonthologos, "immersed in cogibundity of cogitation." An interrogato

calm, a ho

nds, can

osom softl

grief, del

eet at eve

wer's seque

and uncom

yow! continued the brute-a chorus in which Flo instantly joined. Sooth to say, pug had more reason to express his dissatisfaction than was given him by the muse of Simpkinson; the other only barked for company. Scarcely had the poetess got through her first stanza, when Tom Ingoldsby, in the enthusiasm of the moment, became so lost in the material world, that, in his abstraction, he unwarily laid his hand on th

ther brief in its duration nor unimportant in its result. The subject was what the lawyers call tripartite, embracing the information that Charles Seaforth was over head and ears in love with Tom Ingoldsby's sister; secondly, th

. "But a gentleman, you say-and Sir Giles, too. I am not sure, Charles, w

is incontestable-the breeches are gone! Look here-I am reduced t

t of us, laugh at their petty inconveniences, till called upon to supply them. Tom composed his features on the instant, and replied

g you a trick; and, ten to one, your servant had a hand in it. By the way, I heard something yesterday of his kicking up

had hinted his disapprobation of a flirtation carrying on between the gentleman from Munster and the lady from the Rue St. Honoré. Mademoiselle had boxed Mr. Maguire's ears, and Mr. Maguire had pulled Mademoiselle upon his knee, and the lady had not cried Mon Dieu! And Mr. Oliver Dobbs said it was very wrong; and Mrs. Botherby said it was "scandalous," and what ought not to be done in any moral kitchen; and Mr. Maguire had got

ockhead!" asked

ong the ould servants, that didn't know a joke when they seen one: and we went out to look at the comet-that's the rorybory-alehouse, they calls him in this country-and we walked upon the lawn-and divil of any alehouse there was t

what sort of a

-lamps, let alone the moon and the comet, which wasn't there at all-and 'Barney,' says he to me-'cause why he knew me-'Barney,' says he, 'what is it you're doing with the colleen there, Barney?'-Divil a word did I say. Miss Pauline screec

rney stuck to his text with unflinching pertinacity. A reference to Mademoiselle was

nt; and Barney's vision may possibly be a part of it. Whether he is most knave or fool, you best know. At all events, I will s

very witching

yawn, and graves

once elucidatory of some Scriptural history, but of which not even Mrs. Botherby could determine. Mr. Simpkinson, who had examined it carefully, inclined to believe the principal figure to be either Bathsheba, or Daniel in the lions' den; while Tom Ingoldsby decided in favor of the king of Bashan. All, however, was conjecture, tradition being silent on the subject. A lofty arched portal led into, and a little arched portal led out of, this apartment; they were opposite each other, and each possessed the security of massy bolts on its interior. The bedstead, too, was not one of yesterday, but manifes

d a cigar, reeked in the left-hand corner of the mouth of one, and in the right-hand corner of the mouth of the other-an arrangement happily adapted for the escape of the noxious fumes up the chimney, without that unmerciful "funking" each other, which a less scientific disposition o

pocket a watch like a gold half-crown, and consulting it as tho

rles; "did I not

it sounded distinctly-it reached the do

y toddling to her chamber, at the other end of the gallery, after dosing one of t

sir!" said

said the disappo

make night hideous; and when the turret-clock sounded at length the hour of three, I

ight; it's long past the canonical hour. I'm off to bed; and as to your breeches, I'

ed Charles, rousing himself from a reverie, w

oor behind me; and defy the Pop

biliments of the preceding day. The charm was broken, the demon defeated; the light greys with the r

vigilance; but there is a rustic adage, which warns us against self-gratulat

following morning startled him a

pressing his thumb on the scarified epidermis. T

uoth the sufferer, adopting t

aster,

hat does

a breeches, pla

houted Tom, bursting into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. "Wh

ung squire's risibility; the cast of

the bed, and under the bed, and in the bed, for the matter of that, and divi

incarnadine the multitudinous" lather that plastered his throat-"this may be all very well with

uire by surprise, and he seemed for an instant as much disconcert

e after a moment's pause, and with a slight shade of indignation in his ton

ou mean to 'stale' them, as you call it; but that you are concerned in their

a sowl, your honor," said he, solemnly, "little it i

t want to inquire into your flirtations; but don't suppose

, I saw him: and why wouldn't I, when Miss Pa

our nonsense-leav

ploringly; "and without a breeche

o, him: "but don't suppose, sir, you shall carry on your tricks here with impunity; rec

eak; but, mastering himself, not without an effort, he took u

visit home after so long an absence. I shall come to an immediate explanation with your father on the subject nearest my heart, and depart while I have a change of dress left. On his ans

u mean: on my honor, I am as much mysti

a trick, he at leas

ick? why, Charles

l anatomy visit my room again last night, grin in my face, and walk away with my trousers; no

s and my father. I will carry off the females, and leave you a clear field with the

nor's" outworks by a coup de main. I shall not stop to describe the progress of the attack; suffice it that it was as successful as could have been wished, and that Seaforth was referred back again to the lady. The happy lover was off

the world

nonsense and it

the previous night had been unsuccessful, probably because it was undisguised. To-night he would "ensconce himself"-not indeed "behind the arras"-for the little that remained was, as we have seen, nailed to the wall-but in a small closet which opened from one corner of the room, and by leaving the door ajar, would give to its occupant a view

o disrobe himself. The coat, the waistcoat, the black silk stock, were gradually discarded; the green morocco slippers were kicked off, and then-ay, and then-his countenance grew grave; it seemed to occur to him all at once that this was his last stake-nay, that the very b

s on the point of discovering himself, when, the light flashing full upon his friend's countenance, he perceived that, though his eyes were open, "their sense was shut"-that he was yet under the influence of sleep. Seaforth advanced slowly to the toilet, lit his candle at the lamp that stood on it, then, going back to the bed's foot, appeared to search eagerly for something which he could not find. For

d stood at once among the thickest of the shrubs, which there clustered round the base of a corner turret, and screened the postern from common observation. At this moment Ingoldsby had nearly spoiled all by making a false ste

speculation

did glar

which he proceeded with great rapidity into the midst of the shrubbery. Arrived at a certain point where the earth seemed to have been recently disturbed, he set himself heartil

his friend was busily engaged in disentangling himself from his garment, made himself maste

rs waving i

ossible, and all heedless of the breath of heaven, which might certainly be su

the grave which he had been digging for them, when Tom Ingold

loons-his silk-net tights-his patent cords-his showy greys with the broad red stripe of the Bombay Fencibles were brought to light-rescued from the g

ses laughed; the Simpkinsons laughed;-Barney Maguire

earlier than he had proposed:-he soon returned, however; and having, at his father-in-law's reques

ld in the city of Dublin. His essay, demonstrating that the globe is a great custard, whipped into coagulation by whirlwinds and cooked by electricity-a little

whom Master Neddy is "grandpapa's darling," and Mary Anne mamma's particular "Sock." I shall only add, that Mr. and Mrs. Seaforth are living together quite as happily as two good-hearted, good-tempered bodies, very fond of each other, can possibly do; and that, since the day of his ma

THE

RGES

, 1920. By permission of the Ce

o

the

RGES

nd they amused themselves by hiding in the darkness and greeting the rest of our party as we entered with sundry shrieks and moans such as are commonly attributed to ghosts. My wife and I brought up the rear, carrying the two farm lanterns. She had selected the place a

bsurd environment, I should be most embarrassed to explain it. Apparently it was a hay barn, whose vague dimensions were lost in shadow. Rafters crossed its width about twenty feet above our heads, and here and there a few boards lay across the rafters, furnishing foothold for anyone who might wish to operate the ancient pulley that was doubtless once used for lifting bales. The northern half of the floor was cover

he other side of the barn, and our only light came from the rapidly falling twilight of outdoors,

oung people united in demanding a story. I looked across at my wife, whose face was faintly visible within the circle. I thought that even in the half-light I glimpsed the same expressi

ion in the field of psychic phenomena." I was aware that the young people themselves hardly expected serious acquiescence, and that, too, stimulated me. I cleared my throat in a prefatory manner, and silence fell upon the group. A light breeze had risen outside, and the timbers of the barn creaked persistently. From the sha

nd me, and my impulse to prove my own ability in this untried field of narration-gave me a sudden sense of being inspired. I found myself

will be known as the Turner barn. A few yards away to the south you will find the crumbling brick-work and gaping hollows of an old fo

for a moment the satisfaction arising from the intent attitude of my audience, particularly

equipped with an extravagant sense of humor! Turner had a considerable retinue among the riffraff boys of the neighborhood, who made this barn a noisy rendezvous and followed his hints in much whimsical mischief. But he committed most of his practical jokes when drunk, and in his sober moments he abused his

noyed me by frequent pranks and whisperings. No one could have been more surprised at my glibness than I

day in the week and gouged his neighbors-any that he could get into his clutches-on the other si

t he thought Turner had rigged up some scare for her in the barn and that he had never heard anything so much like straight talking from his mistress, either before or since, and he was working in the woodshed at the time, with the

d the corner of the barn. At any rate, she made no protest, and listened meekly to his curt statement that he held an overdue mortgage, with plenty of back interest owing, and it w

and shifting of position, with some levity. It was darker now. The rafters above us were invisible, and the faces about me

ly lived on one until he was able to sell it at a good profit over his investment; so he settled down in the Turner h

d something unusual about the haymow-this haymow-which stood then about six feet above the barn floor. He looked closer through the dusk, and saw a pair of boots

ave you locked up.' The sleeper woke in

or two and seemed at a loss for words. An object slipped from Turner's pocket as he mo

utside the barn, ready to act at a moment's notice as best suited his own safety and welfare. Of one thing Ike was certain-Creed lacked his usual browbeating manner. He was apparently struggl

he proof. I wasn't working for nothing all these months. I ai

've got a right to sleep in the barn or house, whichever I want,' he said, leering into Creed's face. The old usurer stood there for a few minutes eying Turner thoughtfully. Then he actually gave him a shoulder back onto the hay, said something about finding a

ter, and I inferred that one or another would occasionally stimulate this inattention by tickling a companion with a straw. Miss Anstell, who is so frivolous by natu

He was frankly curious. In a few minutes his employer reappeared, carrying a plate h

Creed say grudgingly. Turner's tones

bed after to-night.' Evidently he was eating and muttering

stening Ike's great astonishmen

either eating or drinking. Then he sp

rope. Why don't you hau

urt you any,

urner, with drunken shrewdness. 'B

l,' sai

came suddenly from the barn. Ike fumbled with a large rake, and made as though to hang it on its accu

ngly. Even then he was first to enter. He found the drunkard's body hanging here over the mow, j

nd no further echo. The breeze which had sprung up some time before was producing strange creakings and raspings in the o

satisfied with the eff

the roof ran out through a window under the eaves, and was made fast near the barn door outside, where anyone could haul on it. Creed testified the knot was one he had tied many days before. Ike was a timorous old man, with a wholesome fear of his employer, and he supported the testimony and

ew that the barn was haunted. Passers-by on the road after dark said they heard the old pulley-wheel clanking when no breeze stirred, much as you hear it now. Some claim to have heard maudlin

reed would not have been Creed if he had not sold off the bulk of what he had, ghost or no ghost. I can imagine him

he dismal clanking directly above us was incessant, no one of my audience

ng my head with a straw, but I have ignored it for the sake of the others." Out of the darkness came Miss Anstell's voice, protesting earnestly, and I realized from the direction of the sound that in the general read

d I, graciously;

hoed a subd

the twenty-eighth of

." There was a note in her voice that I hardly recognized, but it indicated that s

f May twenty-eighth

?" my wife's voice continued,

and you are in

owned this place," she persisted almost in a w

at her words, for I had no conscious recollection of either name; yet I felt a resultant exhilaration. Our lanterns had grown strangely dim, though I was cer

see all of the open yard and roadway before the house, with the great barn looming like a black and sinister shadow as its farther barrier. Crossing this space, he saw the figure of Peter Creed, grotesquely stooped and old in the obscuring

utterly horrible in the thought of Creed alone at that hour in just such black darkness as this, with the great t

his expectancy. But it was a burst of shrill laughter, ribald, uncanny, undeniable, accompanying the shriek th

y. 'Suicide,' said they, after Ike, shivering and stammering, had testified, harking back to the untold evidence of that other morning years before

must of,' repeated the man, parrot-like, while the sweat stood out on his forehead, 'because there wasn't no ot

e. And yet once more, out of the almost tangible darkness above me, something seemed to reach down and brush against my head. A slight motion of air, sufficient to disturb my rather scanty locks, was additional proof that I was the butt of some prank that had just missed its objective. Then, with a fearful suddenness, close to m

emotion. There was a great confusion. Young women struggled from their places and impeded one anoth

ell as I could see it, seemed darkened and distorted, and when we forced her clutching hands away from her bared throat we could see, even in that

ls mental shock. My wife will not speak of it. The questions I would ask her are checked on my lips by the look of utter terror in her eyes. As I have confessed to you, my own philosophy

ADY

LSIE

short-story classes at Columbia University. At my reques

o

ady

LSIE

n to write a

was resp

atural this time. Something to give 'em the horrors; that's

magazine had been the only one to print my stuff. So I had said, "P

ries, but more or less they seemed to specialize in me. A ghost story had been the first fiction I had written. Curious how that idea for a plot had come to me out of nowhere after I had chased inspiration in vain for months! Even now whenever Jenkins wanted a ghost, he called on me. And I

on other things, decidedly unghostly and material things, such as my wife's shopping and how on earth I was going to cure her of her alarming tendency

sarcastically at last, out loud, too. You see, I had rea

the other end of the ro

ped. Then I l

it and presently noticed something just taking shape. It was exactly like watching one of these moving picture cartoons being put together. First an

ight wad at the back of her head (yes, I seemed able to see right through her head) and a jaw-well, it lo

d down at me, although (to my knowledge) I had never laid eyes on the w

ty helpless I can tell yo

e you ga

gh I hadn't been

or you to tell me why you had come. And excuse me, but do you always come in

send for me?

ow I felt

don't seem t

ling on heaven and earth all aft

the ghost of a stenographer applying for a job! I had had an advertisement in the paper recently.

dy for you, didn't you switch off to something else and sit ther

ry sorry,

ell you to stop bothering us for assistance; yo

ha

have to y

mbly. "But I'm afraid I didn't quite

now what a strike is? Not ano

t her and

ere they've be

se. Wher

s aren't a bi

herself on the top of my desk among the pens and ink bottle

u d

no

e days; the memory of them made me mistake purgatory for paradise, and at last when I attained my present state of being, I made up my mind that something should be done. I found others who had suffered similarly, and between us we organized 'The Writer's I

er saw you

hinking hard-" I groaned, and clutched my hair. The very idea of that horrible scarecrow so much as touching me! and wouldn't my wife be shocked!

had nothing to do with that. I hope I'm

ad nothing much to occupy us and used to haunt a little on the side, purely for amusement, but not any more.

taking off her glasses wiped them,

ve I got to

a pitying lo

iends and acquaintances to stop using the Ouija

ut

footstep out

!" called the v

th something of the motion of a

, and at once. Consider the imp

brogans on her feet grew misty until I could see the floor through them, then the affection

jaw began to disintegrate, and as my Lavinia crossed th

world are you si

inking,

ish! You were t

excited there is a muscle in my face that starts to twitch, and this pulls up one corner of my mouth an

liest thing this afternoon.

up new fads and a premonitory ch

pped. I simply couldn't ask; th

t, darlingest Ouija board, and so cheap! I got it

things

d lingered, and upon hearing what my wife had said should suddenly

looked so

d," I gulped. "But don't you thin

Foolish! And after m

What do y

old books in the public library. All you'd have to do would be to get out your Ouija and talk to Napoleon, or William the Conqueror, or Helen of Troy-well,

surely don't belie

ohn-they are awf

dreamily across the room. I started and turned around. There w

illing. They're positively devilish. Now, Lavinia, you have plenty of sense, and I want y

nees and stared at me

ange things bought at a bargain sale, and in the second, if you aren't interested in the other world I am. So there!

tioned Ouija boards I felt things begin to cloud up; so I decided to let

iting, but as my mind continued a perfec

int where I can give my whole time to writing, and being bookkeeper for a lumber company does help with the grocery bills and pay for Lavinia's fancy shopping. Friday had been a h

noticed, even from the corner, how brightly the house was illuminated, but at the time that

s nine is

dolia met me

hone you dis mawnin' to be home early, but fo' de lawd's sake not to

tered back through my brain, but I had been hunting three

aid stupidly.

Gladolia, and rolling her eyes she dis

ound myself standing in the dimly lighted lower hall wearing my second best

m our little parlor and I went over to

ja board! The mournful squeak of the legs of the moving triangular things on which they rested their fingers filled the air and mixed in with the conversation. I look

knows I disapprove of, "John, dear I know you'll help us out. Mrs. William Augustus Wainright 'phoned at the last moment to say that she couldn't possibly come, and that

and the next thing I knew I was sitting with the thing on my knees and Mis

n't--"

Miss Laura Hinkle leaned forward and s

Only I say

t put the tips of your fingers right

oard began to slide around in an aimless sort of way. There seemed to be some force tugging it about. I looked at my partner, first with suspicion,

mething?" she cooed, and on the in

g on the word "Yes." Then it began to fly around so fast that I gave up any attemp

Traitor! Why, wh

id desperately. My c

g. Ouija, dear, won't you e

!' Ask him. A

up but my fingers seemed stuck to that

ound faster than ever and she was reading the message silently, with he

ock. What does she mean? Ouija, w

ed to spell. I always did hate a spelling ma

could be heard at the other end of the room. "Lavi

." And my wife made her way over to

ly. "Someone had been trying to communicate with John through Mrs

n't that

at

nkle si

f Helen has just been call

ow anyone by the

through narrowed lids much as she had

crimson, purple, maroon. My wife was looking at me as though I were some peculiar insect. The squeak of Ouija boards and the murmur of conversation rose louder and lou

Miss Hinkle. And then I go

ile the last guest gurgled in the hall below about the wonderful evening she had spent. I lay there while the front door shut after her, and Lavinia's steps

Gladolia, upon being questioned, only shook her head, muttered something, and turned the whites of her eyes u

here came a tap at the door and a white slip

ar

ndmother. My lawyer will c

. "Oh, I wish

n

to be!" said that horrible voic

ckle on the top of my head. Coming majestically across the floor towards me was a highly polished pair of thick laced shoes. I s

y. "What do you mean by a

a point about five and a half feet above the shoes. I raised

ce way to act, to wa

h in an exasperated voice, "I assure yo

with you? You never a

portion of a fishy eye and the end of her nose po

me, while part of her hair and her

fa

night and then expect her to retain all her faculti

y did yo

when your wife is going to

" I cried. "Look what you've done! You've lost me my wif

, "Misto Hallock, I's gwine t' quit. I don'

u've lost m

o be abused," said th

re the brown hat and coat she usually travels in and

olid finality about it, and i

ity and sprang in front of my wife. I must co

d me, but fixed her injured gaze upon the wast

you that I am leavi

my arms about to attract attention

to go, do you?

'd have the devil of a time explaining afterward, of course, but anything would be better than to have Lavinia see a ghost. Why,

are acting very queerly," she sniffed.

lled, "Mis' Hallock! Mis' Hallock! I've c

head a moment. "B

id dem Ouija board contraptions. I'se s

got to complain abou

, ma

o the kitchen. You can use

t t'ing? No, ma'a

urn it," I shouted. "I

y steps moved o

ohn, there's not a bit of use trying to deceive

f that dratted ghost was concealed enough. She was so big, and

a ward boss, "you are hiding

. She went on, "It's bad enough to have you

e you, my love!" I cried, leaping lithely abou

muscle. "I will see who's beh

en," came fr

th hair skewed back and no powder on her nose. I threw a protecting husbandly arm about her to ca

ere Helen of Tro

aid the ghost. "And now I'll be moving al

briskly, till we saw on

ervently, and then I shoved her aside, for I felt a sudden strong desi

iest plot for a gh

Y AND T

CECIL

ne. By permission of John Br

o

y and t

CECIL

that there was something occurring in the corner of the room,

thing verges upon the uncanny"; and, leaning forward u

and, indeed, it would still have been easy to dismiss the matter as the effect of a vagrant draft had not the state of things suddenly grown unmistakably unusual. All the air of the room, it then appeared, rushed even with

e noise of a vase of violets blown over, from which the perfumed water dripped to the flo

had now grown so tense with imminent occurrence and so rent with some inconceivable throe that she involuntarily rose, and, step

she saw before her trembled between something and nothing. Then from the precarious situation there slowly emerged into dubious view th

he complained; "I thought

, even in the shock of the emergency, true to her

and with some vexation he now ejaculated: "Beg your pardon, my d

hes from the rug. Whereupon, with still another effort, he brought himself down until his feet rested decently upon the f

r of great insouciance, which, however, failed to conceal the fact

an eternity that I've been struggling back to you through the outer void and what-not. Sometimes,

upon her and the entire chamber se

ondered about it in the grave, and I could hardly sleep for this place unpenetrated. Heigho! What a

l is done, an

ep for this,

hat dim place I

heart was fain

you musi

as possible I made my way back-to be satisfied-to be satisfie

--um--since I expired," he added, with a faint blush. It appears that the matter of th

s fly! You'll be join

the full of its tenacious excellence-of the delicate insolence o

his countenance. He was, however, a spook of considerable spirit, and in a jiffy he met the occasion. To her bla

to the

oe'er

e an hou

heart

to the

t liet

heart

I vi

to the

forgett

it shelt

eart, go

ce of habit, turned to the door, forgetting tha

tion, he prepared to disappear, casting one last look at the faithless Lady.

overcame him. In an instant he had her in his arms, and was pouring out his love, his reproaches, the story of his longing, his doubts, his discontent, and his desperate journey back to earth for a sight of her. "And, ah!" cried he, "pictur

the gra

s darkl

glow-wor

he wea

deep, who

emember

transmutations; incidentally of her beauty, of her cruelty, of the light of her face which had ill

the east, but the eloquence of the visitor still flowed on, and the Lady had his misty hands clas

morning," he said; "it is tim

s before him, clasping his ethere

," she cried, "or my

ove her. "Say it a

uch an anguish of sincerity as would convince the most ske

orget again

continual remembrance of you, one long act of devotion to your me

ace, and saw th

ping his cloak about him, "well,

, and prepared to dissolve, while he lightly tapped a tat

enceforth I shall sleep o' nigh

ailed, madly trying once more

and all that remained with her, besides her br

riber'

al. "...and contented himself, as a rule, with c

-printer typo cor

printer typo corr

erted to: "But now I'll none of

nd an' round the graveyard lie a six day

tient. Although inpatient is a valid word

rinter typo c

he original. "...then the affection spread

spelling of reci-pe and rec

r

thern

y Scar

k of

delightfully, but with an almost fatal hypnotic persuasiveness. She is a sort of stationary Pied Piper, luring the unwary reader to

r the quiet humor and quaint fancies. He gets away finally,-all delightful experiences must end

Putnam

ork L

h

tar

try

lations fro

Gre

Folk-History Pl

r Irish The

ight the brave old legends, the old heroic poems. From her childhood, the author has studied this ancient language, an

Putnam

ork L