"'I cannot go so far as that,' I said; 'but still it must be a very large sum which could induce me to do so.'
"'It ought to be pulled down, sir,' he continued; 'the walls ought to be razed to the ground.'
"'I suppose they will,' I answered, 'when Miss Elmsdale, the owner, comes of age; unless, indeed, our modern Don Quixote runs the ghost to earth before that time.'
"'Did you say the young man was ill?' asked my companion.
"'He has got a cold,' I answered.
"'And colds are nasty things to get rid of,' he commented, 'particularly in those low-lying localities. That is a most unhealthy part; you ought to order your patient a thorough change of air.'
"'I have, but he won't take advice,' was my reply. 'He has nailed his colours to the mast, and means, I believe, to stay in River Hall till he kills the ghost, or the ghost kills him.'
"'What a foolish youth!'
"'Undoubtedly; but, then, youth is generally foolish, and we have all our crotchets.'
"We had reached the other side of the bridge by this time, and saying his road lay in an opposite direction to mine, the gentleman I have sketched told me the nearest way to take, and bade me a civil good night, adding, 'I suppose I ought to say good morning.'"