sir, I haven't been in these parts long;
and I know there's strange noises to be heard, but then a little noise
breaks no bones and can't hurt me; and as to a ghost, why, seeing its
made of air, that can't do much mischief either, especially to flesh
and blood, can it now?"

"Well, my friend, we'll try the question, however, very soon," said my
father.

I must own, Charles, I again began to feel a little queer, and I think
papa noticed it, for he told me to please myself as to going with him
or staying at the inn. I was nervous, though I felt sure nothing could
really harm me, and then, I recollected, I should always repent, if my
courage failed me, so I said boldly out,

"I shall certainly go with you, papa."

"Very well, my son, but even now, if you had rather stay behind, I do
promise not to reflect on you afterwards, therefore, act just as your
feelings prompt you. I am, myself, so fully persuaded that not
anything supernatural can or will harm us, that I am determined to
find out what can have led to such extraordinary reports."

"But papa, do you not think ghosts are sometimes to be seen?"

"Frederic," said he, "I will not pretend to say what a guilty
conscience or over-heated imagination may have conjured up and
fancied, but as I have neither, I do not expect to see anything
supernatural; but, as I said before, having heard so much about the
mysteries of this place, I think, that even had I not made the
purchase, I should like to find them out."

"But if you see the ghost, papa, will you then believe in such
things?"

"Wait till, to-morrow, Fred; these are silly suppositions for a
religious well educated boy to make, from whom far better things might
be expected. Now, only reflect a moment, and then ask yourself what
good can these appearances do."

I really now began to be quite ashamed of myself, and thought I was
not only foolish, but wicked, in giving credence to the superstitious
nonsense I had heard.

Mrs. Davis now coming in with some things papa had ordered to take
with him; again ventured to say she hoped he would not repent going to
Castle Hill, adding she would pay every attention to the young
gentleman, meaning myself, in his absence.

"If I am not mistaken, he would rather accompany me Mrs. Davis, he has
been early taught to fear nothing but acting wickedly; and I feel very
sure be will not shrink from passing the night where I do; however he
can please himself."

Mrs. Davis actually