"Of course I do," I returned heartily, encouraged by his words to believe I would pass muster. "Can you drive us out?"
The negro scratched his head.
"I reckon as how I can, sah, leastwise so far as ther gate. It's going to be plum dark when we gits dar, an' dis nigger don't fool round dar none in de dark."
"Why, what's the trouble, Pete?"
"Cause ol' Massa Henley's ghost was hangin' round, sah. I ain't nebber seen it myself, an' I don't want to, for he was sure bad 'nough alive, but dar 's niggers what has."
"Oh, pshaw," I laughed, turning toward the silent girl. "We will risk the ghost if you 'll drive us out. Put in the grips."
"Yes, sah. I reckon this yere am de new missus."
"Yes," and I assisted her into the rear seat. "That's all; now jog along."
He climbed into his place, but with no special alacrity; but whipped his team into a swift trot, evidently anxious to complete the trip as early as possible. I glanced aside at my companion, observing the paleness of her face.
"Surely you are not afraid of the negro's ghost?" I questioned.