Leaving the note upon the table, Frank descended the stairs, unlocked the door, and departed from that abode of crime and horror.
FOOTNOTES:
[3] A stool pigeon is a person who associates with thieves, in order to betray their secrets to the police officers, in reference to any robbery which has been committed, or which may be in contemplation. As a reward for furnishing such information, the stool pigeon is allowed to steal and rob, on his own account, with almost perfect impunity.
CHAPTER XV
Showing the pranks played in the Haunted House by the two Skeletons.
When Mrs. Belmont awoke from the swoon into which she had fallen, at sight of the terrible apparition which had visited her, daylight was shining through the windows of her chamber. She immediately recalled to mind the events of the preceding night, and resolved to remove without delay from a house which was troubled with such fearful visitants.
Her maid Susan soon entered, to assist her in dressing; and she learned that the girl had neither seen nor heard anything of a mysterious or ghostly nature, during the night. But when the lady related what she had seen, the terror of poor Susan knew no bounds, and she declared her determination not to sleep alone in the house another night.
While at breakfast, a visitor was announced, who proved to be the landlord, Mr. Hedge. The old gentleman entered with many apologies for his intrusion, and said—
'To confess the truth, my dear madam, I am anxious to learn how you passed the night. Were you disturbed by any of the goblins or spectres which are supposed to haunt the house?'