silent and dark, and congenial with the work on which he was bent. But
Wilson's heart beat a little more rapidly than usual. He is a bold
enough man, as you know, but boldness goes for nothing when superstition
comes into play. However, he trudged along fearlessly enough till he
came to the thick woods just below the fort, into which he entered with
something of a qualm. Scarcely had he set foot on the narrow track that
leads to the graveyard, when he ran slap against the post that stands
there, but which, in his trepidation, he had entirely forgotten. This
quite upset the small amount of courage that remained, and he has since
confessed that if he had not had the hope of meeting with the doctor in
a few minutes, he would have turned round and fled at _that_ moment.

"Recovering a little from this accident, he hurried forward, but with
more caution; for although the night seemed as dark as could possibly be
while he was crossing the open country, it became speedily evident that
there were several shades of darkness which he had not yet conceived.
In a few minutes he came to the creek that runs past the graveyard, and
here again his nerves got another shake; for slipping his foot while in
the act of commencing the descent, he fell and rolled heavily to the
bottom, making noise enough in his fall to scare away all the ghosts in
the country. With a palpitating heart poor Wilson gathered himself up,
and searched for his gun, which fortunately had not been injured, and
then commenced to climb the opposite bank, starting at every twig that
snapped under his feet. On reaching the level ground again he breathed
a little more freely, and hurried forward with more speed than caution.
Suddenly he came into violent contact with a figure, which uttered a
loud growl as Wilson reeled backwards.

"`Back, you monster,' he cried, with a hysterical yell, `or I'll blow
your brains out!'

"`It's little good _that_ would do ye,' cried the doctor, as he came
forward. `Why, you stupid, what did you take me for? You've nearly
knocked out my brains as it is,' and the doctor rubbed his forehead
ruefully.

"`Oh, it's _you_, doctor!' said Wilson, feeling as if a ton weight had
been lifted off his heart; `I verily thought it was the ghost of the
poor fellow we're going to disturb. I do think you had better give it
up. Mischief will come of it, you'll see.'

"`Nonsense,' cried the doctor; `don't be a goose, but let's to work at
once.