“What means this?” growled Phillip, as he seized one of them by the throat, and drew his sword. “What means this, knave, eh? Go forth into the passage again, and return with better news, or take the consequences.”
The servant did as he was bidden, but had scarcely got into the passage when he rushed back again in increased terror, and upset a card table, money, and all upon the floor.
Every one present were now alarmed.
They heard the distant solemn tramp of heavy footsteps.
When, lo! there entered the room, with horrible stride, the gory limbs.
Phillip Redgill turned deadly pale.
His eyes darted almost from their sockets.
He gasped with terror, and his drawn sword trembled in his nerveless hand.
“Phillip Redgill——” the spectre voice began.
“No, no, no; mercy! ’twas not I!” gasped Phillip. “No, no! I see also the ghost of my father; but I did not do it! Away! away! Avaunt! gory, ghostly, damnable spectacle, avaunt!”