"But he didn't" replied the child, opening his eyes wide with astonishment.
"Well, what of that, you little goose?" exclaimed Arthur impatiently; "papa doesn't know that."
"But Jim will get punished," said Walter, "and I don't want to tell such a big story either."
"Very well, sir, then you'll not get the whip; and, besides, if you don't do as I wish, I'm certain you'll see a ghost one of these nights; for there's one comes to see me sometimes, and I'll send him right off to you."
"Oh! don't, Arthur, don't; I'd die of fright," cried the little boy, who was very timid, glancing nervously around, as if he expected the ghost to appear immediately.
"I tell you I will, though, if you don't do as I say; he'll come this very night and carry you off, and never bring you back."
"O Arthur! don't let him come, and I'll say anything you want me to," cried the little fellow in great terror.
"That's a good boy; I knew you would," said Arthur, smiling triumphantly. And turning away from Walter, he next sought out Enna, and tried his threats and persuasions upon her with even better success.
Elsie had gone directly to her own room, where she sat trembling every time a footstep approached her door, lest it should be a messenger from her grandfather. No one came, however, and at last the tea-bell rang, and on going down she found to her relief that her grandfather and his wife had not yet returned.
"You look pale, Elsie," said her father, giving her a scrutinizing glance as she took her seat by his side. "Are you well?"