"Simpson," I said, after dinner, "do you believe in ghosts?"
"Yes, sir, I think so, sir."
"What are your views about them?"
"Well, sir, I don't know that I could put them into words. Will you have your coffee now, sir?"
"Yes, please, Simpson; and will you pass my cigar-box?"
"Yes, sir; thank you, sir."
"You are somewhat of a philosopher, aren't you, Simpson?"
"In my own way, sir. If I hadn't been I should have been dead before now."
"Oh, indeed," I said. "How?"
"Well, sir, it was during the two years I was married. It was my philosophy that saved me."