idence?"

"It looms like a county jail, that's being turned into a private
madhouse. If so be as how witches weren't against the law of the land,
this seems the very place for them. Do you believe in ghosts?"

"Verily, yes, and--no."

"Because I think that I see the ghosts of a hearse and four horses among
those tall trees at that corner."

"Then, Pig, we must be on the alert--for I see it, too; but the vision
has assumed the every-day deception of a post-chaise and four."

"Jeer as you will, it is a hearse: somebody's just losing the number of
his mess. It will take away a corpse to-night, depend upon it. That a
post-chaise! Pooh! I can see the black plumes waving upon the horses'
heads; and--hark at the low, deep moanings that seem to sweep by it--
that is not at all natural--let us go back."

"I was never more resolved to go forward. There is villainy hatching--
completing. Wrap your cloak closely about your countenance; don't
mistake the wind for groans, nor the waving branches of cedar-trees for
hearse-plumes, but follow me."

"Who's afraid?" said Pigtop.

His chattering teeth answered the question.

As I was prepared for everything, I was not surprised to find the
principal door open, and the hall filled with iron-bound cases and
several plate-chests. As we stepped into the midst of these, completely
muffled in our cloaks, a fellow came and whispered to us, "Is all
ready?"

"Hush!" said I.

"Oh, no fear--they are at prayers in Sir Reginald's bedroom--he is going
fast--he is restless--he cannot sleep."

"Where are the servants?"

"Snoring in their nests."

"And who is with Sir Reginald?"

"Nobody but the priest, and his son, Master Ralph--without the lawyer
has gone up since; he saw all right about the chaise. But am I on the
right lay?"

"Surely. Joshua Daunton and I--"

"Enough--you're up to trap--so lend us a hand, and let us take the swag
to the shay--though swag it ain't, for it's Josh's by deed of law. Sir
Reginald signs and seals to-night, as they say he can't live over
to-morrow."

"No there is no occasion to stir yet. Which is the way to Sir
Reginald's room? I must speak one word to Joshua before we start. I
know the countersign--it will bring him out to me in a moment. I would
advise you, in the meantime, just to step to the chaise and see all
right, and bring it up nearer the door quietly--mind, quietly, for these
boxes are damned heavy."

"You're right there,"