way. Papa said when _he_ heard it, that most likely he was
ashamed of his cowardice, and that this prevented his going again to
the village.

Papa sent for Mr. Davis, or Griffy Davis, as his wife was pleased to
call him; but the old body herself came, and entreated of papa not to
try and entice him to accompany us; for it seems that papa's cool and
determined manner had made a great impression on Griffy, who, perhaps,
got more sceptical on these matters, on account of it. Mrs. Davis was
so importunate on the subject, that she obtained the desired
assurance, viz., that Griffeth Davis should not be directly or
indirectly tempted to encounter the ghost or ghosts, as the case might
be. The old man soon came, and you would have laughed to see the old
dame's rubicond face, with her large grey eyes, peering over his
shoulder; for, notwithstanding; the promise given, she had some doubts
that he might be induced to try his prowess in the haunted chamber.
Papa asked him if he knew any strong bodied young man whom a good sum
of money would induce to accompany him and stay the night. Griffy
scratched his head, and pondered some short time; till at length, he
said he knew, but one at all likely; they were he said all so plaguey
timerous, or timmersome I believe was the word; but he thought Davy
Evans might go if well paid, if he were certain papa would remain too;
but another doubt was started; Davy had talked of taking some cattle
to a fair some miles off, and might be gone: however, it turned out,
that he was on hand, and agreeable to go, with the understanding, that
he was to have his money, even if papa was conquered by the ghost, or
had to run for his ghostship. This was soon obviated; by papa's
depositing the money in Mrs. Davis' hands; an arrangement that seemed
to give great satisfaction to Davy. The next difficulty was the
bedding necessary, this, as Mrs. Davis never expected to see it again,
had to be paid for. Davy Evans, seemed a stout stalwart fellow, who
had rather a good countenance. Papa who had put the same question
before; again asked, "if he were sure he was not afraid."

"Oh no, sir," said Davy, "not a bit, thank God, I never intentionally
harmed man, woman, or child, or wronged them, that I of, in any way,
and therefore, I may trust in Providence, go wherever I will, and I
certainly ain't afraid of the ghosts up there."

"But your courage may fail you, my friend, at the last."

"There's nothing like trying,