asper made a guttural noise and waved his arm again.

"Oh, Lord preserve me!" ejaculated the young man, shaking with terror.
"Go away, do, good ghost! I haven't done anything!"

As he spoke he covered up his head with the bedclothes, and Jasper could
see by the convulsive movements that he was in a state of the greatest
agitation. Our hero felt inclined to laugh, but forebore. He considered
whether it would be safe, disguised as he was, to make his way down
stairs and out at the front door. But another course suddenly suggested
itself. The young man looked good-natured. Why shouldn't he reveal
himself to him, and throw himself upon him for protection? Besides, he
was sorry to frighten him so much.

Acting upon his new resolution, he threw off the sheet and said in his
natural voice:

"Don't be frightened. I am not a ghost."

The young man in bed took courage to uncover his head.

"Ain't you a spirit?" he said, doubtfully.

"No more than you," said Jasper, laughing.

"What made you frighten me so? Who are you?"

"I am a friend of yours."

"I don't think I ever saw you before. How did you get in?"

"Through the window."

"You ain't a burglar, are you?" asked the young man, with fresh
apprehension.

"Of course not," said Jasper, laughing. "Do I look like a burglar?"

"No; but I don't see what made you come in."

"The fact is, I want you to help me," said Jasper. "Just light the gas,
and I'll tell you all about it."

He spoke so frankly and straightforwardly that the young man was
reassured. He got out of bed and lighted the gas.

"There! do I look like a burglar?" asked Jasper.

"No, you don't; but I don't see how you got in."

"Then I'll tell you. I've just escaped from the next house."

"Escaped?"

"Yes. I was locked up in a dark room for four days, and the only way I
could get out was through the roof. Of course I couldn't slide off into
the street and break my neck, so I got in here through the window."

"You don't say!" ejaculated the young man. "What did they shut you up
for? Was it your father?"

"No. It's a long story. I knew something they were afraid I would tell."

"What are you going to do?"

"I am going to ask you to let me out into the street."

"What! so late as this? You would have to stay out all night."

"That would be better than to be locked up as I have been for the last
four days."

"Suppose you wait till morning. This bed is big enough for both of us."

"Thank you