There was nothing to do but leave Malay Kris to enjoy his victim. Hortense, after leading Andy out the door, ran up to her room with Highboy, who said he was too excited to sleep and that he would compose poetry all night. Hortense slept very well, however, and in the morning when she began to dress remembered her charm.
"Give me my charm, Highboy," said she.
"In the top drawer," said Highboy.
Sure enough, there it was, and Hortense fastened it hastily about her neck and ran down to breakfast, which wasn't ready.
"Aunt Esmerelda wouldn't cook breakfast this morning, and Mary is preparing it," Grandmother explained.
"Aunt Esmerelda is afraid of spooks," said Grandfather, laughing. "Indeed, I don't know how to explain it myself. What do you suppose we found this morning? That Malay kris of which I told you, that hangs in the parlor, was thrust through the grater and buried so deep in the kitchen floor that Fergus and I could hardly get it out."
Mary, bringing breakfast, announced,
"Jeremiah's shut up somewhere again. We can hear his cries but can't tell where he is."
"Not in the sofa again, I hope," said Grandfather.
"Not there," said Mary. "He sounds as if he were in the chimney."