"'Not in any way, except that I have been spending the evening there with a friend of mine.'
"'Has he seen anything of the reputed ghost?' asked my companion, eagerly. 'Is he able to throw any light on the dark subject?'
"'I don't think he can,' I replied. 'He has seen the usual appearances which I believe it is correct to see at River Hall; but so far, they have added nothing to his previous knowledge.'
"'He has seen, you say?'
"'Yes; all the orthodox lions of that cheerful house.'
"'And still he is not daunted—he is not afraid?'
"'He is not afraid. Honestly, putting ghosts entirely on one side, I should not care to be in his shoes, all alone in a lonely house.'
"'And you would be right, sir,' was the answer. 'A man must be mad to run such a risk.'
"'So I told him,' I agreed.
"'Why, I would not stay in that house alone for any money which could be offered to me,' he went on, eagerly.