“‘More mysterious than ever,’ I said; ‘but to-night shall decide.’
“That night I pleaded weariness, which no one seemed inclined to question, and sought my couch earlier.
“‘Goin’ ter try it again?’ asked my host.
“‘Yes; and I’ll stay all winter but what I’ll get even with that ghost,’ I said.
“That night I kept the candle burning until midnight, when I blew it out.
“Instantly the room was flooded with a soft light, and at the foot of the bed stood my ghost, the identical ghost of last night.
“Again the bony finger beckoned and a sepulchral voice whispered, ‘Follow me!’ I sprang from the bed, but the figure darted ahead of me. It flew through the doorway and down the stairs, and I after it. At the foot of the staircase an unseen hand reached forward and caught my foot and I fell sprawling headlong.
“But in a second I was on my feet and pursuing the ghost. It had gained on me a few yards, but I was quicker, and just as we reached the outside door I nearly touched its robes. They sent a chill through my frame, and I nearly gave up the pursuit.
“As it passed through the doorway it turned and gave me one look, and I caught the same malignant light in its eyes that I remembered from the night before.
“In the open orchard I felt sure I could catch it.