leans will probably induce me to make that my
future home. For several years he has associated me with him in the
conduct of some important suits; and I understand now, that his motive
was to introduce me gradually to a new field of professional labor. Not
the least valuable of my new possessions is his superb law library,
probably the finest in the South. Of course my business will keep me
here, for the present, and I have matured no plans."

"Did you reach New Orleans before his death?"

"No, I was in Dakota, and missed a letter designed to acquaint me with
his illness. While in Washington on my return, arguing a case before
the Supreme Court, a telegram was forwarded from the office here, and I
hurried off by the first train, but arrived about ten hours too late.
Another grudge I have to settle with that bloody thief, when I unearth
him."

"After all, Dunbar, you are a deucedly lucky fellow,--and--Hello!
historic Hebrew! Bedney, have you seen a ghost?"

"Yes--Mars Alfred--two of 'em."

Spent with fatigue, panting, with an ashen pallor on his leathery,
wrinkled face, the old negro ran in to the office, and leaned heavily
against the oak table.

"What is the matter? Positively, you are turning a grayish white. What
is the secret of the bleaching? Police after you? Or does the Sheriff
want you?"

"Mars Alfred, this ain't no fitten time to crack your on'-Gawdly jokes,
for I am scared all but into fits. I started in a brisk walk, but every
step I got more and more afeered to look behind, and I struk a fox
trot, and now my wind is clean gone."

"What is the trouble? What are you running from?"

"'Fore Gawd, Mars Alfred, sperrits! Sperrits, sir."

"Do you mean that you want a dram to steady your nerves?"

"I'm that frustrated I couldn't say what I want; but I didn't signify
bottle and jimmyjohn liquor, I mean sperrits, sir, ghosts what walk,
and make the hair rise like wire all over your head. The ole house is
hanted shore 'nuff; and I can't stay there. Lem'me tell you, Lord! Mars
Alfred, don't laugh! It's the Gawd's truth, ole Marster's sperrit is
fighting up yonder in his room with the man what killed him. I seen
him, in the broad daylight, and I have cum for you and Mars Lennox to
git there, jest as quick as you kin, so you kin see it fur yourselves.
I know you won't believe it till you see it; nuther should I, but it's
there. The sperrits have cum back, to show my young mistiss' child
never killed her gran