The Notch on the Ax and On Being Found Out_第1章

　　TheHauntedHouseNo。IBranchLine：TheSignalManBULWER-LYTTON1803-73
　　TheHauntedandtheHaunters。or，TheHouseandtheBrainTheIncantationTHOMASDEQUINCEY1785-1859
　　TheAvengerCHARLESROBERTMATURIN1782-1824
　　MelmoththeWandererLAURENCESTERNE1713-68
　　AMysterywithaMoralWILLIAMMAKEPEACETHACKERAY1811-63
　　OnBeingFoundOutTheNotchontheAxANONYMOUS
　　BourgonefTheClosedCabinetTHEHAUNTEDHOUSE
　　INTWOCHAPTERS
　　THEMORTALSINTHEHOUSE
　　Undernoneoftheaccreditedghostlycircumstances，andenvironedbynoneoftheconventionalghostlysurroundings，didIfirstmakeacquaintancewiththehousewhichisthesubjectofthisChristmaspiece。Isawitinthedaylight，withthesunuponit。Therewasnowind，norain，nolightning，nothunder，noawfulorunwontedcircumstance，ofanykind，toheightenitseffect。Morethanthat：
　　Ihadcometoitdirectfromarailwaystation：itwasnotmorethanamiledistantfromtherailwaystation。and，asIstoodoutsidethehouse，lookingbackuponthewayIhadcome，Icouldseethegoodstrainrunningsmoothlyalongtheembankmentinthevalley。Iwillnotsaythateverythingwasutterlycommonplace，becauseIdoubtifanythingcanbethat，excepttoutterlycommonplacepeople——andtheremyvanitystepsin。but，IwilltakeitonmyselftosaythatanybodymightseethehouseasIsawit，anyfineautumnmorning。
　　Themannerofmylightingonitwasthis。
　　IwastravellingtowardsLondonoutoftheNorth，intendingtostopbytheway，tolookatthehouse。Myhealthrequiredatemporaryresidenceinthecountry。andafriendofminewhoknewthat，andwhohadhappenedtodrivepastthehouse，hadwrittentometosuggestitasalikelyplace。Ihadgotintothetrainatmidnight，andhadfallenasleep，andhadwokeupandhadsatlookingoutofwindowatthebrilliantNorthernLightsinthesky，andhadfallenasleepagain，andhadwokeupagaintofindthenightgone，withtheusualdiscontentedconvictiononmethatI
　　hadn’tbeentosleepatall——uponwhichquestion，inthefirstimbecilityofthatcondition，IamashamedtobelievethatIwouldhavedonewagerbybattlewiththemanwhosatoppositeme。Thatoppositemanhadhad，throughthenight——asthatoppositemanalwayshas——severallegstoomany，andallofthemtoolong。Inadditiontothisunreasonableconductwhichwasonlytobeexpectedofhim，hehadhadapencilandapocket-book，andhadbeenperpetuallylisteningandtakingnotes。Ithadappearedtomethattheseaggravatingnotesrelatedtothejoltsandbumpsofthecarriage，andIshouldhaveresignedmyselftohistakingthem，underageneralsuppositionthathewasinthecivil-engineeringwayoflife，ifhehadnotsatstaringstraightovermyheadwheneverhelistened。Hewasagoggle-eyedgentlemanofaperplexedaspect，andhisdemeanorbecameunbearable。
　　Itwasacold，deadmorningthesunnotbeingupyet，andwhenI
　　hadout-watchedthepalinglightofthefiresoftheironcountry，andthecurtainofheavysmokethathungatoncebetweenmeandthestarsandbetweenmeandtheday，Iturnedtomyfellow-travellerandsaid：
　　IBEGyourpardon，sir，butdoyouobserveanythingparticularinme？For，really，heappearedtobetakingdown，eithermytravelling-capormyhair，withaminutenessthatwasaliberty。
　　Thegoggle-eyedgentlemanwithdrewhiseyesfrombehindme，asifthebackofthecarriagewereahundredmilesoff，andsaid，withaloftylookofcompassionformyinsignificance：
　　Inyou，sir？——B。
　　B，sir？saidI，growingwarm。
　　Ihavenothingtodowithyou，sir，returnedthegentleman。prayletmelisten——O。
　　Heenunciatedthisvowelafterapause，andnoteditdown。
　　AtfirstIwasalarmed，foranExpresslunaticandnocommunicationwiththeguard，isaseriousposition。ThethoughtcametomyreliefthatthegentlemanmightbewhatispopularlycalledaRapper：oneofasectforsomeofwhomIhavethehighestrespect，butwhomIdon’tbelievein。Iwasgoingtoaskhimthequestion，whenhetookthebreadoutofmymouth。
　　Youwillexcuseme，saidthegentlemancontemptuously，ifIamtoomuchinadvanceofcommonhumanitytotroublemyselfatallaboutit。Ihavepassedthenight——asindeedIpassthewholeofmytimenow——inspiritualintercourse。
　　O！saidI，somewhatsnappishly。
　　Theconferencesofthenightbegan，continuedthegentleman，turningseveralleavesofhisnote-book，withthismessage：’Evilcommunicationscorruptgoodmanners。’
　　Sound，saidI。but，absolutelynew？
　　Newfromspirits，returnedthegentleman。
　　IcouldonlyrepeatmyrathersnappishO！andaskifImightbefavoredwiththelastcommunication。
　　’Abirdinthehand，’saidthegentleman，readinghislastentrywithgreatsolemnity，’isworthtwointheBosh。’
　　TrulyIamofthesameopinion，saidI。butshouldn’titbeBush？
　　Itcametome，Bosh，returnedthegentleman。
　　ThegentlemantheninformedmethatthespiritofSocrateshaddeliveredthisspecialrevelationinthecourseofthenight。Myfriend，Ihopeyouareprettywell。Therearetwointhisrailwaycarriage。Howdoyoudo？Thereareseventeenthousandfourhundredandseventy-ninespiritshere，butyoucannotseethem。
　　Pythagorasishere。Heisnotatlibertytomentionit，buthopesyouliketravelling。Galileolikewisehaddroppedin，withthisscientificintelligence。Iamgladtoseeyou，amico。Comesta？
　　Waterwillfreezewhenitiscoldenough。Addio！Inthecourseofthenight，also，thefollowingphenomenahadoccurred。BishopButlerhadinsistedonspellinghisname，Bubler，forwhichoffenceagainstorthographyandgoodmannershehadbeendismissedasoutoftemper。JohnMiltonsuspectedofwilfulmystification
　　hadrepudiatedtheauthorshipofParadiseLost，andhadintroduced，asjointauthorsofthatpoem，twoUnknowngentlemen，respectivelynamedGrungersandScadgingtone。AndPrinceArthur，nephewofKingJohnofEngland，haddescribedhimselfastolerablycomfortableintheseventhcircle，wherehewaslearningtopaintonvelvet，underthedirectionofMrs。TrimmerandMaryQueenofScots。
　　Ifthisshouldmeettheeyeofthegentlemanwhofavoredmewiththesedisclosures，Itrusthewillexcusemyconfessingthatthesightoftherisingsun，andthecontemplationofthemagnificentOrderofthevastUniverse，mademeimpatientofthem。Inaword，Iwassoimpatientofthem，thatIwasmightilygladtogetoutatthenextstation，andtoexchangethesecloudsandvaporsforthefreeairofHeaven。
　　Bythattimeitwasabeautifulmorning。AsIwalkedawayamongsuchleavesashadalreadyfallenfromthegolden，brown，andrussettrees。andasIlookedaroundmeonthewondersofCreation，andthoughtofthesteady，unchanging，andharmoniouslawsbywhichtheyaresustained。thegentleman’sspiritualintercourseseemedtomeaspoorapieceofjourney-workaseverthisworldsaw。Inwhichheathenstateofmind，Icamewithinviewofthehouse，andstoppedtoexamineitattentively。
　　Itwasasolitaryhouse，standinginasadlyneglectedgarden：aprettyevensquareofsometwoacres。ItwasahouseofaboutthetimeofGeorgetheSecond。asstiff，ascold，asformal，andinasbadtaste，ascouldpossiblybedesiredbythemostloyaladmirerofthewholequartetofGeorges。Itwasuninhabited，buthad，withinayearortwo，beencheaplyrepairedtorenderithabitable。
　　Isaycheaply，becausetheworkhadbeendoneinasurfacemanner，andwasalreadydecayingastothepaintandplaster，thoughthecolorswerefresh。Alop-sidedboarddroopedoverthegardenwall，announcingthatitwastoletonveryreasonableterms，wellfurnished。Itwasmuchtoocloselyandheavilyshadowedbytrees，and，inparticular，thereweresixtallpoplarsbeforethefrontwindows，whichwereexcessivelymelancholy，andthesiteofwhichhadbeenextremelyillchosen。
　　Itwaseasytoseethatitwasanavoidedhouse——ahousethatwasshunnedbythevillage，towhichmyeyewasguidedbyachurchspiresomehalfamileoff——ahousethatnobodywouldtake。Andthenaturalinferencewas，thatithadthereputationofbeingahauntedhouse。
　　Noperiodwithinthefour-and-twentyhoursofdayandnightissosolemntome，astheearlymorning。Inthesummer-time，Ioftenriseveryearly，andrepairtomyroomtodoaday’sworkbeforebreakfast，andIamalwaysonthoseoccasionsdeeplyimpressedbythestillnessandsolitudearoundme。Besidesthatthereissomethingawfulinthebeingsurroundedbyfamiliarfacesasleep——
　　intheknowledgethatthosewhoaredearesttousandtowhomwearedearest，areprofoundlyunconsciousofus，inanimpassivestate，anticipativeofthatmysteriousconditiontowhichwearealltending——thestoppedlife，thebrokenthreadsofyesterday，thedesertedseat，theclosedbook，theunfinishedbutabandonedoccupation，allareimagesofDeath。ThetranquillityofthehouristhetranquillityofDeath。Thecolorandthechillhavethesameassociation。Evenacertainairthatfamiliarhouseholdobjectstakeuponthemwhentheyfirstemergefromtheshadowsofthenightintothemorning，ofbeingnewer，andastheyusedtobelongago，hasitscounterpartinthesubsidenceofthewornfaceofmaturityorage，indeath，intotheoldyouthfullook。Moreover，I
　　oncesawtheapparitionofmyfather，atthishour。Hewasaliveandwell，andnothingevercameofit，butIsawhiminthedaylight，sittingwithhisbacktowardsme，onaseatthatstoodbesidemybed。Hisheadwasrestingonhishand，andwhetherhewasslumberingorgrieving，Icouldnotdiscern。Amazedtoseehimthere，Isatup，movedmyposition，leanedoutofbed，andwatchedhim。Ashedidnotmove，Ispoketohimmorethanonce。Ashedidnotmovethen，Ibecamealarmedandlaidmyhanduponhisshoulder，asIthought——andtherewasnosuchthing。
　　Forallthesereasons，andforotherslesseasilyandbrieflystatable，Ifindtheearlymorningtobemymostghostlytime。Anyhousewouldbemoreorlesshaunted，tome，intheearlymorning。
　　andahauntedhousecouldscarcelyaddressmetogreateradvantagethanthen。
　　Iwalkedonintothevillage，withthedesertionofthishouseuponmymind，andIfoundthelandlordofthelittleinn，sandinghisdoor-step。Ibespokebreakfast，andbroachedthesubjectofthehouse。
　　Isithaunted？Iasked。
　　Thelandlordlookedatme，shookhishead，andanswered，Isaynothing。
　　ThenitIShaunted？
　　Well！criedthelandlord，inanoutburstoffranknessthathadtheappearanceofdesperation——Iwouldn’tsleepinit。
　　Whynot？
　　IfIwantedtohaveallthebellsinahousering，withnobodytoring’em。andallthedoorsinahousebang，withnobodytobang’em。andallsortsoffeettreadingabout，withnofeetthere。why，then，saidthelandlord，I’dsleepinthathouse。
　　Isanythingseenthere？
　　Thelandlordlookedatmeagain，andthen，withhisformerappearanceofdesperation，calleddownhisstable-yardforIkey！
　　Thecallproducedahigh-shoulderedyoungfellow，witharoundredface，ashortcropofsandyhair，averybroadhumorousmouth，aturned-upnose，andagreatsleevedwaistcoatofpurplebars，withmother-of-pearlbuttons，thatseemedtobegrowinguponhim，andtobeinafairway——ifitwerenotpruned——ofcoveringhisheadandoverrunninghisboots。
　　Thisgentlemanwantstoknow，saidthelandlord，ifanything’sseenatthePoplars。
　　’Oodedwomanwithahowl，saidIkey，inastateofgreatfreshness。
　　Doyoumeanacry？
　　Imeanabird，sir。
　　Ahoodedwomanwithanowl。Dearme！Didyoueverseeher？
　　Iseenthehowl。
　　Neverthewoman？
　　Notsoplainasthehowl，buttheyalwayskeepstogether。
　　Hasanybodyeverseenthewomanasplainlyastheowl？
　　Lordblessyou，sir！Lots。
　　Who？
　　Lordblessyou，sir！Lots。
　　Thegeneral-dealeropposite，forinstance，whoisopeninghisshop？
　　Perkins？Blessyou，Perkinswouldn’tgoa-nightheplace。No！
　　observedtheyoungman，withconsiderablefeeling。hean’toverwise，an’tPerkins，buthean’tsuchafoolasTHAT。
　　Here，thelandlordmurmuredhisconfidenceinPerkins’sknowingbetter。
　　Whois——orwhowas——thehoodedwomanwiththeowl？Doyouknow？
　　Well！saidIkey，holdinguphiscapwithonehandwhilehescratchedhisheadwiththeother，theysay，ingeneral，thatshewasmurdered，andthehowlhe’ootedthewhile。
　　ThisveryconcisesummaryofthefactswasallIcouldlearn，exceptthatayoungman，asheartyandlikelyayoungmanaseverI
　　see，hadbeentookwithfitsandhelddownin’em，afterseeingthehoodedwoman。Also，thatapersonage，dimlydescribedasaholdchap，asortofone-eyedtramp，answeringtothenameofJoby，unlessyouchallengedhimasGreenwood，andthenhesaid，’Whynot？
　　andevenifso，mindyourownbusiness，’hadencounteredthehoodedwoman，amatteroffiveorsixtimes。But，Iwasnotmateriallyassistedbythesewitnesses：inasmuchasthefirstwasinCalifornia，andthelastwas，asIkeysaidandhewasconfirmedbythelandlord，Anywheres。
　　Now，althoughIregardwithahushedandsolemnfear，themysteries，betweenwhichandthisstateofexistenceisinterposedthebarrierofthegreattrialandchangethatfallonallthethingsthatlive。andalthoughIhavenottheaudacitytopretendthatIknowanythingofthem。Icannomorereconcilethemerebangingofdoors，ringingofbells，creakingofboards，andsuch-
　　likeinsignificances，withthemajesticbeautyandpervadinganalogyofalltheDivinerulesthatIampermittedtounderstand，thanIhadbeenable，alittlewhilebefore，toyokethespiritualintercourseofmyfellow-travellertothechariotoftherisingsun。Moreover，Ihadlivedintwohauntedhouses——bothabroad。Inoneofthese，anoldItalianpalace，whichborethereputationofbeingverybadlyhauntedindeed，andwhichhadrecentlybeentwiceabandonedonthataccount，Ilivedeightmonths，mosttranquillyandpleasantly：notwithstandingthatthehousehadascoreofmysteriousbedrooms，whichwereneverused，andpossessed，inonelargeroominwhichIsatreading，timesoutofnumberatallhours，andnexttowhichIslept，ahauntedchamberofthefirstpretensions。Igentlyhintedtheseconsiderationstothelandlord。
　　Andastothisparticularhousehavingabadname，Ireasonedwithhim，Why，howmanythingshadbadnamesundeservedly，andhoweasyitwastogivebadnames，anddidhenotthinkthatifheandI
　　werepersistentlytowhisperinthevillagethatanyweird-lookingolddrunkentinkeroftheneighborhoodhadsoldhimselftotheDevil，hewouldcomeintimetobesuspectedofthatcommercialventure！Allthiswisetalkwasperfectlyineffectivewiththelandlord，Iamboundtoconfess，andwasasdeadafailureaseverImadeinmylife。
　　Tocutthispartofthestoryshort，Iwaspiquedaboutthehauntedhouse，andwasalreadyhalfresolvedtotakeit。So，afterbreakfast，IgotthekeysfromPerkins’sbrother-in-lawawhipandharnessmaker，whokeepsthePostOffice，andisundersubmissiontoamostrigorouswifeoftheDoublySecedingLittleEmmanuelpersuasion，andwentuptothehouse，attendedbymylandlordandbyIkey。
　　Within，Ifoundit，asIhadexpected，transcendentlydismal。Theslowlychangingshadowswavedonitfromtheheavytrees，weredolefulinthelastdegree。thehousewasill-placed，ill-built，ill-planned，andill-fitted。Itwasdamp，itwasnotfreefromdryrot，therewasaflavorofratsinit，anditwasthegloomyvictimofthatindescribabledecaywhichsettlesonalltheworkofman’shandswheneverit’snotturnedtoman’saccount。Thekitchensandofficesweretoolarge，andtooremotefromeachother。Abovestairsandbelow，wastetractsofpassageintervenedbetweenpatchesoffertilityrepresentedbyrooms。andtherewasamouldyoldwellwithagreengrowthuponit，hidinglikeamurderoustrap，nearthebottomoftheback-stairs，underthedoublerowofbells。
　　Oneofthesebellswaslabelled，onablackgroundinfadedwhiteletters，MASTERB。This，theytoldme，wasthebellthatrangthemost。
　　WhowasMasterB。？Iasked。Isitknownwhathedidwhiletheowlhooted？
　　Rangthebell，saidIkey。
　　Iwasratherstruckbythepromptdexteritywithwhichthisyoungmanpitchedhisfurcapatthebell，andrangithimself。Itwasaloud，unpleasantbell，andmadeaverydisagreeablesound。Theotherbellswereinscribedaccordingtothenamesoftheroomstowhichtheirwireswereconducted：asPictureRoom，DoubleRoom，
　　ClockRoom，andthelike。FollowingMasterB。’sbelltoitssourceIfoundthatyounggentlemantohavehadbutindifferentthird-classaccommodationinatriangularcabinunderthecock-
　　loft，withacornerfireplacewhichMasterB。musthavebeenexceedinglysmallifhewereeverabletowarmhimselfat，andacornerchimney-piecelikeapyramidalstaircasetotheceilingforTomThumb。Thepaperingofonesideoftheroomhaddroppeddownbodily，withfragmentsofplasteradheringtoit，andalmostblockedupthedoor。ItappearedthatMasterB。，inhisspiritualcondition，alwaysmadeapointofpullingthepaperdown。NeitherthelandlordnorIkeycouldsuggestwhyhemadesuchafoolofhimself。
　　Exceptthatthehousehadanimmenselylargeramblingloftattop，Imadenootherdiscoveries。Itwasmoderatelywellfurnished，butsparely。Someofthefurniture——say，athird——wasasoldasthehouse。therestwasofvariousperiodswithinthelasthalf-
　　century。Iwasreferredtoacorn-chandlerinthemarket-placeofthecountytowntotreatforthehouse。Iwentthatday，andI
　　tookitforsixmonths。
　　ItwasjustthemiddleofOctoberwhenImovedinwithmymaidensisterIventuretocallhereight-and-thirty，sheissoveryhandsome，sensible，andengaging。Wetookwithus，adeafstable-
　　man，mybloodhoundTurk，twowomenservants，andayoungpersoncalledanOddGirl。Ihavereasontorecordoftheattendantlastenumerated，whowasoneoftheSaintLawrence’sUnionFemaleOrphans，thatshewasafatalmistakeandadisastrousengagement。
　　Theyearwasdyingearly，theleaveswerefallingfast，itwasarawcolddaywhenwetookpossession，andthegloomofthehousewasmostdepressing。Thecookanamiablewoman，butofaweakturnofintellectburstintotearsonbeholdingthekitchen，andrequestedthathersilverwatchmightbedeliveredovertohersister2Tuppintock’sGardens，Liggs’sWalk，ClaphamRise，intheeventofanythinghappeningtoherfromthedamp。Streaker，thehousemaid，feignedcheerfulness，butwasthegreatermartyr。TheOddGirl，whohadneverbeeninthecountry，alonewaspleased，andmadearrangementsforsowinganacorninthegardenoutsidethescullerywindow，andrearinganoak。
　　Wewent，beforedark，throughallthenatural——asopposedtosupernatural——miseriesincidentaltoourstate。Dispiritingreportsascendedlikethesmokefromthebasementinvolumes，anddescendedfromtheupperrooms。Therewasnorolling-pin，therewasnosalamanderwhichfailedtosurpriseme，forIdon’tknowwhatitis，therewasnothinginthehouse。whattherewas，wasbroken，thelastpeoplemusthavelivedlikepigs，whatcouldthemeaningofthelandlordbe？Throughthesedistresses，theOddGirlwascheerfulandexemplary。Butwithinfourhoursafterdarkwehadgotintoasupernaturalgroove，andtheOddGirlhadseenEyes，andwasinhysterics。
　　MysisterandIhadagreedtokeepthehauntingstrictlytoourselves，andmyimpressionwas，andstillis，thatIhadnotleftIkey，whenhehelpedtounloadthecart，alonewiththewomen，oranyoneofthem，foroneminute。Nevertheless，asIsay，theOddGirlhadseenEyesnootherexplanationcouldeverbedrawnfromher，beforenine，andbyteno’clockhadhadasmuchvinegarappliedtoheraswouldpickleahandsomesalmon。
　　Ileaveadiscerningpublictojudgeofmyfeelings，when，undertheseuntowardcircumstances，atabouthalf-pastteno’clockMasterB。’sbellbegantoringinamostinfuriatedmanner，andTurkhowleduntilthehouseresoundedwithhislamentations！
　　IhopeImayneveragainbeinastateofmindsounchristianasthementalframeinwhichIlivedforsomeweeks，respectingthememoryofMasterB。Whetherhisbellwasrungbyrats，ormice，orbats，orwind，orwhatotheraccidentalvibration，orsometimesbyonecause，sometimesanother，andsometimesbycollusion，Idon’tknow。but，certainitis，thatitdidringtwonightsoutofthree，untilIconceivedthehappyideaoftwistingMasterB。’sneck——inotherwords，breakinghisbellshortoff——andsilencingthatyounggentleman，astomyexperienceandbelief，forever。
　　But，bythattime，theOddGirlhaddevelopedsuchimprovingpowersofcatalepsy，thatshehadbecomeashiningexampleofthatveryinconvenientdisorder。Shewouldstiffen，likeaGuyFawkesendowedwithunreason，onthemostirrelevantoccasions。Iwouldaddresstheservantsinalucidmanner，pointingouttothemthatI
　　hadpaintedMasterB。’sroomandbalkedthepaper，andtakenMasterB。’sbellawayandbalkedtheringing，andiftheycouldsupposethatthatconfoundedboyhadlivedanddied，toclothehimselfwithnobetterbehaviorthanwouldmostunquestionablyhavebroughthimandthesharpestparticlesofabirch-broomintocloseacquaintanceinthepresentimperfectstateofexistence，couldtheyalsosupposeamerepoorhumanbeing，suchasIwas，capablebythosecontemptiblemeansofcounteractingandlimitingthepowersofthedisembodiedspiritsofthedead，orofanyspirits？——IsayIwouldbecomeemphaticandcogent，nottosayrathercomplacent，insuchanaddress，whenitwouldallgofornothingbyreasonoftheOddGirl’ssuddenlystiffeningfromthetoesupward，andglaringamonguslikeaparochialpetrifaction。
　　Streaker，thehousemaid，too，hadanattributeofamostdiscomfitingnature。Iamunabletosaywhethershewasofanusuallylymphatictemperament，orwhatelsewasthematterwithher，butthisyoungwomanbecameamereDistilleryfortheproductionofthelargestandmosttransparenttearsIevermetwith。Combinedwiththesecharacteristics，wasapeculiartenacityofholdinthosespecimens，sothattheydidn’tfall，buthunguponherfaceandnose。Inthiscondition，andmildlyanddeplorablyshakingherhead，hersilencewouldthrowmemoreheavilythantheAdmirableCrichtoncouldhavedoneinaverbaldisputationforapurseofmoney。Cook，likewise，alwayscoveredmewithconfusionaswithagarment，byneatlywindingupthesessionwiththeprotestthattheOusewaswearingherout，andbymeeklyrepeatingherlastwishesregardinghersilverwatch。
　　Astoournightlylife，thecontagionofsuspicionandfearwasamongus，andthereisnosuchcontagionunderthesky。Hoodedwoman？Accordingtotheaccounts，wewereinaperfectConventofhoodedwomen。Noises？Withthatcontagiondownstairs，Imyselfhavesatinthedismalparlor，listening，untilIhaveheardsomanyandsuchstrangenoises，thattheywouldhavechilledmybloodifIhadnotwarmeditbydashingouttomakediscoveries。Trythisinbed，inthedeadofthenight：trythisatyourowncomfortablefire-side，inthelifeofthenight。Youcanfillanyhousewithnoises，ifyouwill，untilyouhaveanoiseforeverynerveinyournervoussystem。
　　Irepeat。thecontagionofsuspicionandfearwasamongus，andthereisnosuchcontagionunderthesky。Thewomentheirnosesinachronicstateofexcoriationfromsmelling-saltswerealwaysprimedandloadedforaswoon，andreadytogooffwithhair-
　　triggers。ThetwoelderdetachedtheOddGirlonallexpeditionsthatwereconsidereddoublyhazardous，andshealwaysestablishedthereputationofsuchadventuresbycomingbackcataleptic。IfCookorStreakerwentoverheadafterdark，weknewweshouldpresentlyhearabumpontheceiling。andthistookplacesoconstantly，thatitwasasifafightingmanwereengagedtogoaboutthehouse，administeringatouchofhisartwhichIbelieveiscalledTheAuctioneer，toeverydomestichemetwith。
　　Itwasinvaintodoanything。Itwasinvaintobefrightened，forthemomentinone’sownperson，byarealowl，andthentoshowtheowl。Itwasinvaintodiscover，bystrikinganaccidentaldiscordonthepiano，thatTurkalwayshowledatparticularnotesandcombinations。ItwasinvaintobeaRhadamanthuswiththebells，andifanunfortunatebellrangwithoutleave，tohaveitdowninexorablyandsilenceit。Itwasinvaintofireupchimneys，lettorchesdownthewell，chargefuriouslyintosuspectedroomsandrecesses。Wechangedservants，anditwasnobetter。Thenewsetranaway，andathirdsetcame，anditwasnobetter。Atlast，ourcomfortablehousekeepinggottobesodisorganisedandwretched，thatIonenightdejectedlysaidtomysister：Patty，Ibegintodespairofourgettingpeopletogoonwithushere，andIthinkwemustgivethisup。
　　Mysister，whoisawomanofimmensespirit，replied，No，John，don’tgiveitup。Don’tbebeaten，John。Thereisanotherway。
　　Andwhatisthat？saidI。
　　John，returnedmysister，ifwearenottobedrivenoutofthishouse，andthatfornoreasonwhatever，thatisapparenttoyouorme，wemusthelpourselvesandtakethehousewhollyandsolelyintoourownhands。
　　But，theservants，saidI。
　　Havenoservants，saidmysister，boldly。
　　Likemostpeopleinmygradeoflife，Ihadneverthoughtofthepossibilityofgoingonwithoutthosefaithfulobstructions。Thenotionwassonewtomewhensuggested，thatIlookedverydoubtful。
　　Weknowtheycomeheretobefrightenedandinfectoneanother，andweknowtheyarefrightenedanddoinfectoneanother，saidmysister。
　　WiththeexceptionofBottles，Iobserved，inameditativetone。
　　Thedeafstable-man。Ikepthiminmyservice，andstillkeephim，asaphenomenonofmorosenessnottobematchedinEngland。
　　Tobesure，John，assentedmysister。exceptBottles。Andwhatdoesthatgotoprove？Bottlestalkstonobody，andhearsnobodyunlessheisabsolutelyroaredat，andwhatalarmhasBottlesevergiven，ortaken？None。
　　Thiswasperfectlytrue。theindividualinquestionhavingretired，everynightatteno’clock，tohisbedoverthecoach-house，withnoothercompanythanapitchforkandapailofwater。Thatthepailofwaterwouldhavebeenoverme，andthepitchforkthroughme，ifIhadputmyselfwithoutannouncementinBottles’swayafterthatminute，Ihaddepositedinmyownmindasafactworthremembering。NeitherhadBottlesevertakentheleastnoticeofanyofourmanyuproars。Animperturbableandspeechlessman，hehadsatathissupper，withStreakerpresentinaswoon，andtheOddGirlmarble，andhadonlyputanotherpotatoinhischeek，orprofitedbythegeneralmiserytohelphimselftobeefsteakpie。
　　Andso，continuedmysister，IexemptBottles。Andconsidering，John，thatthehouseistoolarge，andperhapstoolonely，tobekeptwellinhandbyBottles，you，andme，Iproposethatwecastaboutamongourfriendsforacertainselectednumberofthemostreliableandwilling——formaSocietyhereforthreemonths——waituponourselvesandoneanother——livecheerfullyandsocially——andseewhathappens。
　　Iwassocharmedwithmysister，thatIembracedheronthespot，andwentintoherplanwiththegreatestardor。
　　WeweretheninthethirdweekofNovember。but，wetookourmeasuressovigorously，andweresowellsecondedbythefriendsinwhomweconfided，thattherewasstillaweekofthemonthunexpired，whenourpartyallcamedowntogethermerrily，andmusteredinthehauntedhouse。
　　Iwillmention，inthisplace，twosmallchangesthatImadewhilemysisterandIwereyetalone。ItoccurringtomeasnotimprobablethatTurkhowledinthehouseatnight，partlybecausehewantedtogetoutofit，Istationedhiminhiskenneloutside，butunchained。andIseriouslywarnedthevillagethatanymanwhocameinhiswaymustnotexpecttoleavehimwithoutaripinhisownthroat。IthencasuallyaskedIkeyifhewereajudgeofagun？Onhissaying，Yes，sir，IknowsagoodgunwhenIseesher，Ibeggedthefavorofhissteppinguptothehouseandlookingatmine。
　　SHE’Satrueone，sir，saidIkey，afterinspectingadouble-
　　barrelledriflethatIboughtinNewYorkafewyearsago。NomistakeaboutHER，sir。
　　Ikey，saidI，don’tmentionit。Ihaveseensomethinginthishouse。
　　No，sir？hewhispered，greedilyopeninghiseyes。’Oodedlady，sir？
　　Don’tbefrightened，saidI。Itwasafigureratherlikeyou。
　　Lord，sir？
　　Ikey！saidI，shakinghandswithhimwarmly，Imaysayaffectionately。ifthereisanytruthintheseghost-stories，thegreatestserviceIcandoyou，is，tofireatthatfigure。AndI
　　promiseyou，byHeavenandearth，IwilldoitwiththisgunifI
　　seeitagain！
　　Theyoungmanthankedme，andtookhisleavewithsomelittleprecipitation，afterdecliningaglassofliquor。Iimpartedmysecrettohim，becauseIhadneverquiteforgottenhisthrowinghiscapatthebell。becauseIhad，onanotheroccasion，noticedsomethingverylikeafurcap，lyingnotfarfromthebell，onenightwhenithadburstoutringing。andbecauseIhadremarkedthatwewereatourghostliestwheneverhecameupintheeveningtocomforttheservants。LetmedoIkeynoinjustice。Hewasafraidofthehouse，andbelievedinitsbeinghaunted。andyethewouldplayfalseonthehauntingside，sosurelyashegotanopportunity。TheOddGirl’scasewasexactlysimilar。Shewentaboutthehouseinastateofrealterror，andyetliedmonstrouslyandwilfully，andinventedmanyofthealarmsshespread，andmademanyofthesoundsweheard。Ihadhadmyeyeonthetwo，andI
　　knowit。Itisnotnecessaryforme，here，toaccountforthispreposterousstateofmind。Icontentmyselfwithremarkingthatitisfamiliarlyknowntoeveryintelligentmanwhohashadfairmedical，legal，orotherwatchfulexperience。thatitisaswellestablishedandascommonastateofmindasanywithwhichobserversareacquainted。andthatitisoneofthefirstelements，aboveallothers，rationallytobesuspectedin，andstrictlylookedfor，andseparatedfrom，anyquestionofthiskind。
　　Toreturntoourparty。Thefirstthingwedidwhenwewereallassembled，was，todrawlotsforbedrooms。Thatdone，andeverybedroom，and，indeed，thewholehouse，havingbeenminutelyexaminedbythewholebody，weallottedthevarioushouseholdduties，asifwehadbeenonagipsyparty，orayachtingparty，orahuntingparty，orwereshipwrecked。Ithenrecountedthefloatingrumorsconcerningthehoodedlady，theowl，andMasterB。：
　　withothers，stillmorefilmy，whichhadfloatedaboutduringouroccupation，relativetosomeridiculousoldghostofthefemalegenderwhowentupanddown，carryingtheghostofaroundtable。
　　andalsotoanimpalpableJackass，whomnobodywaseverabletocatch。SomeoftheseideasIreallybelieveourpeoplebelowhadcommunicatedtooneanotherinsomediseasedway，withoutconveyingtheminwords。Wethengravelycalledoneanothertowitness，thatwewerenottheretobedeceived，ortodeceive——whichweconsideredprettymuchthesamething——andthat，withaserioussenseofresponsibility，wewouldbestrictlytruetooneanother，andwouldstrictlyfollowoutthetruth。Theunderstandingwasestablished，thatanyonewhoheardunusualnoisesinthenight，andwhowishedtotracethem，shouldknockatmydoor。lastly，thatonTwelfthNight，thelastnightofholyChristmas，allourindividualexperiencessincethatthenpresenthourofourcomingtogetherinthehauntedhouse，shouldbebroughttolightforthegoodofall。andthatwewouldholdourpeaceonthesubjecttillthen，unlessonsomeremarkableprovocationtobreaksilence。
　　Wewere，innumberandincharacter，asfollows：
　　First——togetmysisterandmyselfoutoftheway——therewerewetwo。Inthedrawingoflots，mysisterdrewherownroom，andI
　　drewMasterB。’s。Next，therewasourfirstcousinJohnHerschel，socalledafterthegreatastronomer：thanwhomIsupposeabettermanatatelescopedoesnotbreathe。Withhim，washiswife：acharmingcreaturetowhomhehadbeenmarriedinthepreviousspring。Ithoughtitunderthecircumstancesratherimprudenttobringher，becausethereisnoknowingwhatevenafalsealarmmaydoatsuchatime。butIsupposeheknewhisownbusinessbest，andImustsaythatifshehadbeenMYwife，Inevercouldhaveleftherendearingandbrightfacebehind。TheydrewtheClockRoom。
　　AlfredStarling，anuncommonlyagreeableyoungfellowofeight-and-
　　twentyforwhomIhavethegreatestliking，wasintheDoubleRoom。
　　mine，usually，anddesignatedbythatnamefromhavingadressing-
　　roomwithinit，withtwolargeandcumbersomewindows，whichnowedgesIwaseverabletomake，wouldkeepfromshaking，inanyweather，windornowind。Alfredisayoungfellowwhopretendstobefastanotherwordforloose，asIunderstandtheterm，butwhoismuchtoogoodandsensibleforthatnonsense，andwhowouldhavedistinguishedhimselfbeforenow，ifhisfatherhadnotunfortunatelylefthimasmallindependenceoftwohundredayear，onthestrengthofwhichhisonlyoccupationinlifehasbeentospendsix。Iaminhopes，however，thathisBankermaybreak，orthathemayenterintosomespeculationguaranteedtopaytwentypercent……for，Iamconvincedthatifhecouldonlyberuined，hisfortuneismade。BelindaBates，bosomfriendofmysister，andamostintellectual，amiable，anddelightfulgirl，gotthePictureRoom。Shehasafinegeniusforpoetry，combinedwithrealbusinessearnestness，andgoesin——touseanexpressionofAlfred’s——forWoman’smission，Woman’srights，Woman’swrongs，andeverythingthatiswoman’swithacapitalW，orisnotandoughttobe，orisandoughtnottobe。Mostpraiseworthy，mydear，andHeavenprosperyou！IwhisperedtoheronthefirstnightofmytakingleaveofheratthePicture-Roomdoor，butdon’toverdoit。
　　Andinrespectofthegreatnecessitythereis，mydarling，formoreemploymentsbeingwithinthereachofWomanthanourcivilisationhasasyetassignedtoher，don’tflyattheunfortunatemen，eventhosemenwhoareatfirstsightinyourway，asiftheywerethenaturaloppressorsofyoursex。for，trustme，Belinda，theydosometimesspendtheirwagesamongwivesanddaughters，sisters，mothers，aunts，andgrandmothers。andtheplayis，really，notALLWolfandRedRiding-Hood，buthasotherpartsinit。However，Idigress。
　　Belinda，asIhavementioned，occupiedthePictureRoom。Wehadbutthreeotherchambers：theCornerRoom，theCupboardRoom，andtheGardenRoom。Myoldfriend，JackGovernor，slunghishammock，ashecalledit，intheCornerRoom。IhavealwaysregardedJackasthefinest-lookingsailorthateversailed。Heisgraynow，butashandsomeashewasaquarterofacenturyago——
　　nay，handsomer。Aportly，cheery，well-builtfigureofabroad-
　　shoulderedman，withafranksmile，abrilliantdarkeye，andarichdarkeyebrow。Irememberthoseunderdarkerhair，andtheylookallthebetterfortheirsilversetting。HehasbeenwhereverhisUnionnamesakeflies，hasJack，andIhavemetoldshipmatesofhis，awayintheMediterraneanandontheothersideoftheAtlantic，whohavebeamedandbrightenedatthecasualmentionofhisname，andhavecried，YouknowJackGovernor？Thenyouknowaprinceofmen！Thatheis！Andsounmistakablyanavalofficer，thatifyouweretomeethimcomingoutofanEsquimauxsnow-hutinseal’sskin，youwouldbevaguelypersuadedhewasinfullnavaluniform。
　　Jackoncehadthatbrightcleareyeofhisonmysister。but，itfelloutthathemarriedanotherladyandtookhertoSouthAmerica，whereshedied。Thiswasadozenyearsagoormore。Hebroughtdownwithhimtoourhauntedhousealittlecaskofsaltbeef。for，heisalwaysconvincedthatallsaltbeefnotofhisownpickling，ismerecarrion，andinvariably，whenhegoestoLondon，packsapieceinhisportmanteau。HehadalsovolunteeredtobringwithhimoneNatBeaver，anoldcomradeofhis，captainofamerchantman。Mr。Beaver，withathick-setwoodenfaceandfigure，andapparentlyashardasablockallover，provedtobeanintelligentman，withaworldofwateryexperiencesinhim，andgreatpracticalknowledge。Attimes，therewasacuriousnervousnessabouthim，apparentlythelingeringresultofsomeoldillness。but，itseldomlastedmanyminutes。HegottheCupboardRoom，andlaytherenexttoMr。Undery，myfriendandsolicitor：
　　whocamedown，inanamateurcapacity，togothroughwithit，ashesaid，andwhoplayswhistbetterthanthewholeLawList，fromtheredcoveratthebeginningtotheredcoverattheend。
　　Ineverwashappierinmylife，andIbelieveitwastheuniversalfeelingamongus。JackGovernor，alwaysamanofwonderfulresources，wasChiefCook，andmadesomeofthebestdishesIeverate，includingunapproachablecurries。Mysisterwaspastrycookandconfectioner。StarlingandIwereCook’sMate，turnandturnabout，andonspecialoccasionsthechiefcookpressedMr。
　　Beaver。Wehadagreatdealofoutdoorsportandexercise，butnothingwasneglectedwithin，andtherewasnoill-humorormisunderstandingamongus，andoureveningsweresodelightfulthatwehadatleastonegoodreasonforbeingreluctanttogotobed。
　　Wehadafewnightalarmsinthebeginning。Onthefirstnight，I
　　wasknockedupbyJackwithamostwonderfulship’slanterninhishand，likethegillsofsomemonsterofthedeep，whoinformedmethathewasgoingalofttothemaintruck，tohavetheweathercockdown。ItwasastormynightandIremonstrated。butJackcalledmyattentiontoitsmakingasoundlikeacryofdespair，andsaidsomebodywouldbehailingaghostpresently，ifitwasn’tdone。So，uptothetopofthehouse，whereIcouldhardlystandforthewind，wewent，accompaniedbyMr。Beaver。andthereJack，lanternandall，withMr。Beaverafterhim，swarmeduptothetopofacupola，sometwodozenfeetabovethechimneys，andstooduponnothingparticular，coollyknockingtheweathercockoff，untiltheybothgotintosuchgoodspiritswiththewindandtheheight，thatIthoughttheywouldnevercomedown。Anothernight，theyturnedoutagain，andhadachimney-cowloff。Anothernight，theycutasobbingandgulpingwater-pipeaway。Anothernight，theyfoundoutsomethingelse。Onseveraloccasions，theyboth，inthecoolestmanner，simultaneouslydroppedoutoftheirrespectivebedroomwindows，handoverhandbytheircounterpanes，tooverhaulsomethingmysteriousinthegarden。
　　Theengagementamonguswasfaithfullykept，andnobodyrevealedanything。Allweknewwas，ifanyone’sroomwerehaunted，noonelookedtheworseforit。
　　TheforegoingstoryisparticularlyinterestingasillustratingtheleaningofDickens’smindtowardthespiritualisticandmysticalfanciescurrentinhistime，andthecounterbalanceofhiscommonsenseandfun。
　　Heprobablynevermadeuphisownmind，Mr。AndrewLangdeclaresinadiscussionofthisHauntedHousestory。Mr。Langsaysheoncetookpartinasimilarquest，andcanrecognizetheaccuracyofmostofDickens’sremarks。Indeed，eventopersonsnotontheleveloftheOddGirlineducation，thetemptationtoproduce’phenomena’forfunisallbutoverwhelming。Thatpeoplecommunicatehallucinationstoeachother’insomediseasedwaywithoutwords，’isamoderntheoryperhapsfirstformulatedherebyDickens。
　　TheSignalMan’sStory，whichfollows，islikewise，Mr。Langbelieves，probablybasedonsomerealstoryofthekind，someanecdoteofpremonitions。TherearescoresintherecordsoftheSocietyforPsychicalResearch——TheEditor。
　　NO。1BRANCHLINE：THESIGNAL-MAN
　　Halloa！Belowthere！
　　Whenheheardavoicethuscallingtohim，hewasstandingatthedoorofhisbox，withaflaginhishand，furledrounditsshortpole。Onewouldhavethought，consideringthenatureoftheground，thathecouldnothavedoubtedfromwhatquarterthevoicecame。butinsteadoflookinguptowhereIstoodonthetopofthesteepcuttingnearlyoverhishead，heturnedhimselfabout，andlookeddowntheLine。Therewassomethingremarkableinhismannerofdoingso，thoughIcouldnothavesaidformylifewhat。ButI
　　knowitwasremarkableenoughtoattractmynotice，eventhoughhisfigurewasforeshortenedandshadowed，downinthedeeptrench，andminewashighabovehim，sosteepedintheglowofanangrysunset，thatIhadshadedmyeyeswithmyhandbeforeIsawhimatall。
　　Halloa！Below！
　　FromlookingdowntheLine，heturnedhimselfaboutagain，and，raisinghiseyes，sawmyfigurehighabovehim。
　　IsthereanypathbywhichIcancomedownandspeaktoyou？
　　Helookedupatmewithoutreplying，andIlookeddownathimwithoutpressinghimtoosoonwitharepetitionofmyidlequestion。Justthentherecameavaguevibrationintheearthandair，quicklychangingintoaviolentpulsation，andanoncomingrushthatcausedmetostartback，asthoughithadaforcetodrawmedown。Whensuchvaporasrosetomyheightfromthisrapidtrainhadpassedme，andwasskimmingawayoverthelandscape，I
　　lookeddownagain，andsawhimrefurlingtheflaghehadshownwhilethetrainwentby。
　　Irepeatedmyinquiry。Afterapause，duringwhichheseemedtoregardmewithfixedattention，hemotionedwithhisrolled-upflagtowardsapointonmylevel，sometwoorthreehundredyardsdistant。Icalleddowntohim，Allright！andmadeforthatpoint。There，bydintoflookingcloselyaboutme，Ifoundaroughzigzagdescendingpathnotchedout，whichIfollowed。
　　Thecuttingwasextremelydeep，andunusuallyprecipitate。Itwasmadethroughaclammystone，thatbecameoozierandwetterasI
　　wentdown。Forthesereasons，Ifoundthewaylongenoughtogivemetimetorecallasingularairofreluctanceorcompulsionwithwhichhehadpointedoutthepath。
　　WhenIcamedownlowenoughuponthezigzagdescenttoseehimagain，Isawthathewasstandingbetweentherailsonthewaybywhichthetrainhadlatelypassed，inanattitudeasifhewerewaitingformetoappear。Hehadhislefthandathischin，andthatleftelbowrestedonhisrighthand，crossedoverhisbreast。
　　HisattitudewasoneofsuchexpectationandwatchfulnessthatI
　　stoppedamoment，wonderingatit。
　　Iresumedmydownwardway，andsteppingoutupontheleveloftherailroad，anddrawingnearertohim，sawthathewasadark，sallowman，withadarkbeardandratherheavyeyebrows。HispostwasinassolitaryanddismalaplaceaseverIsaw。Oneitherside，adripping-wetwallofjaggedstone，excludingallviewbutastripofsky。theperspectiveonewayonlyacrookedprolongationofthisgreatdungeon。theshorterperspectiveintheotherdirectionterminatinginagloomyredlight，andthegloomierentrancetoablacktunnel，inwhosemassivearchitecturetherewasabarbarous，depressing，andforbiddingair。Solittlesunlighteverfounditswaytothisspot，thatithadanearthy，deadlysmell。andsomuchcoldwindrushedthroughit，thatitstruckchilltome，asifI
　　hadleftthenaturalworld。
　　Beforehestirred，Iwasnearenoughtohimtohavetouchedhim。
　　Noteventhenremovinghiseyesfrommine，hesteppedbackonestep，andliftedhishand。
　　ThiswasalonesomeposttooccupyIsaid，andithadrivetedmyattentionwhenIlookeddownfromupyonder。Avisitorwasararity，Ishouldsuppose。notanunwelcomerarity，Ihoped？Inme，hemerelysawamanwhohadbeenshutupwithinnarrowlimitsallhislife，andwho，beingatlastsetfree，hadanewly-awakenedinterestinthesegreatworks。TosuchpurposeIspoketohim。butIamfarfromsureofthetermsIused。for，besidesthatIamnothappyinopeninganyconversation，therewassomethinginthemanthatdauntedme。
　　Hedirectedamostcuriouslooktowardstheredlightnearthetunnel’smouth，andlookedallaboutit，asifsomethingweremissingfromit，andthenlookeditme。
　　Thatlightwaspartofhischarge？Wasitnot？
　　Heansweredinalowvoice，——Don’tyouknowitis？
　　Themonstrousthoughtcameintomymind，asIperusedthefixedeyesandthesaturnineface，thatthiswasaspirit，notaman。I
　　havespeculatedsince，whethertheremayhavebeeninfectioninhismind。
　　Inmyturn，Isteppedback。Butinmakingtheaction，Idetectedinhiseyessomelatentfearofme。Thisputthemonstrousthoughttoflight。
　　Youlookatme，Isaid，forcingasmile，asifyouhadadreadofme。
　　Iwasdoubtful，hereturned，whetherIhadseenyoubefore。
　　Where？
　　Hepointedtotheredlighthehadlookedat。
　　There？Isaid。
　　Intentlywatchfulofme，herepliedbutwithoutsound，Yes。
　　Mygoodfellow，whatshouldIdothere？However，bethatasitmay，Ineverwasthere，youmayswear。
　　IthinkImay，herejoined。Yes。IamsureImay。
　　Hismannercleared，likemyown。Herepliedtomyremarkswithreadiness，andinwell-chosenwords。Hadhemuchtodothere？
　　Yes。thatwastosay，hehadenoughresponsibilitytobear。butexactnessandwatchfulnesswerewhatwasrequiredofhim，andofactualwork——manuallabor——hehadnexttonone。Tochangethatsignal，totrimthoselights，andtoturnthisironhandlenowandthen，wasallhehadtodounderthathead。RegardingthosemanylongandlonelyhoursofwhichIseemedtomakesomuch，hecouldonlysaythattheroutineofhislifehadshapeditselfintothatform，andhehadgrownusedtoit。Hehadtaughthimselfalanguagedownhere，——ifonlytoknowitbysight，andtohaveformedhisowncrudeideasofitspronunciation，couldbecalledlearningit。Hehadalsoworkedatfractionsanddecimals，andtriedalittlealgebra。buthewas，andhadbeenasaboy，apoorhandatfigures。Wasitnecessaryforhimwhenondutyalwaystoremaininthatchannelofdampair，andcouldheneverriseintothesunshinefrombetweenthosehighstonewalls？Why，thatdependedupontimesandcircumstances。UndersomeconditionstherewouldbelessupontheLinethanunderothers，andthesameheldgoodastocertainhoursofthedayandnight。Inbrightweather，hedidchooseoccasionsforgettingalittleabovetheselowershadows。but，beingatalltimesliabletobecalledbyhiselectricbell，andatsuchtimeslisteningforitwithredoubledanxiety，thereliefwaslessthanIwouldsuppose。
　　Hetookmeintohisbox，wheretherewasafire，adeskforanofficialbookinwhichhehadtomakecertainentries，atelegraphicinstrumentwithitsdial，face，andneedles，andthelittlebellofwhichhehadspoken。Onmytrustingthathewouldexcusetheremarkthathehadbeenwelleducated，andIhopedI
　　mightsaywithoutoffenceperhapseducatedabovethatstation，heobservedthatinstancesofslightincongruityinsuchwisewouldrarelybefoundwantingamonglargebodiesofmen。thathehadhearditwassoinworkhouses，inthepoliceforce，eveninthatlastdesperateresource，thearmy。andthatheknewitwasso，moreorless，inanygreatrailwaystaff。Hehadbeen，whenyoungifI
　　couldbelieveit，sittinginthathut，——hescarcelycould，astudentofnaturalphilosophy，andhadattendedlectures。buthehadrunwild，misusedhisopportunities，gonedown，andneverrisenagain。Hehadnocomplainttoofferaboutthat。Hehadmadehisbed，andhelayuponit。Itwasfartoolatetomakeanother。
　　AllthatIhaveherecondensedhesaidinaquietmanner，withhisgravedarkregardsdividedbetweenmeandthefire。Hethrewintheword，Sir，fromtimetotime，andespeciallywhenhereferredtohisyouth，——asthoughtorequestmetounderstandthatheclaimedtobenothingbutwhatIfoundhim。Hewasseveraltimesinterruptedbythelittlebell，andhadtoreadoffmessages，andsendreplies。Oncehehadtostandwithoutthedoor，anddisplayaflagasatrainpassed，andmakesomeverbalcommunicationtothedriver。Inthedischargeofhisduties，Iobservedhimtoberemarkablyexactandvigilant，breakingoffhisdiscourseatasyllable，andremainingsilentuntilwhathehadtodowasdone。
　　Inaword，Ishouldhavesetthismandownasoneofthesafestofmentobeemployedinthatcapacity，butforthecircumstancethatwhilehewasspeakingtomehetwicebrokeoffwithafallencolor，turnedhisfacetowardsthelittlebellwhenitdidNOTring，openedthedoorofthehutwhichwaskeptshuttoexcludetheunhealthydamp，andlookedouttowardstheredlightnearthemouthofthetunnel。Onbothofthoseoccasions，hecamebacktothefirewiththeinexplicableairuponhimwhichIhadremarked，withoutbeingabletodefine，whenweweresofarasunder。
　　SaidI，whenIrosetoleavehim，YoualmostmakemethinkthatI
　　havemetwithacontentedman。
　　IamafraidImustacknowledgethatIsaidittoleadhimon。
　　IbelieveIusedtobeso，herejoined，inthelowvoiceinwhichhehadfirstspoken。butIamtroubled，sir，Iamtroubled。
　　Hewouldhaverecalledthewordsifhecould。Hehadsaidthem，however，andItookthemupquickly。
　　Withwhat？Whatisyourtrouble？
　　Itisverydifficulttoimpart，sir。Itisvery，verydifficulttospeakof。Ifeveryoumakemeanothervisit，Iwilltrytotellyou。
　　ButIexpresslyintendtomakeyouanothervisit。Say，whenshallitbe？
　　Igooffearlyinthemorning，andIshallbeonagainattento-
　　morrownight，sir。
　　Iwillcomeateleven。
　　Hethankedme，andwentoutatthedoorwithme。I’llshowmywhitelight，sir，hesaid，inhispeculiarlowvoice，tillyouhavefoundthewayup。Whenyouhavefoundit，don’tcallout！
　　Andwhenyouareatthetop，don’tcallout！
　　Hismannerseemedtomaketheplacestrikecoldertome，butIsaidnomorethan，Verywell。
　　Andwhenyoucomedownto-morrownight，don’tcallout！Letmeaskyouapartingquestion。Whatmadeyoucry，’Halloa！Belowthere！’to-night？
　　Heavenknows，saidI。Icriedsomethingtothateffect——
　　Nottothateffect，sir。Thoseweretheverywords。Iknowthemwell。
　　Admitthoseweretheverywords。Isaidthem，nodoubt，becauseI
　　sawyoubelow。
　　Fornootherreason？
　　WhatotherreasoncouldIpossiblyhave？
　　Youhadnofeelingthattheywereconveyedtoyouinanysupernaturalway？
　　No。
　　Hewishedmegood-night，andhelduphislight。IwalkedbythesideofthedownLineofrailswithaverydisagreeablesensationofatraincomingbehindmeuntilIfoundthepath。Itwaseasiertomountthantodescend，andIgotbacktomyinnwithoutanyadventure。
　　Punctualtomyappointment，Iplacedmyfootonthefirstnotchofthezigzagnextnight，asthedistantclockswerestrikingeleven。
　　Hewaswaitingformeatthebottom，withhiswhitelighton。I
　　havenotcalledout，Isaid，whenwecameclosetogether。mayI
　　speaknow？Byallmeans，sir。Good-night，then，andhere’smyhand。Good-night，sir，andhere’smine。Withthatwewalkedsidebysidetohisbox，enteredit，closedthedoor，andsatdownbythefire。
　　Ihavemadeupmymind，sir，hebegan，bendingforwardassoonaswewereseated，andspeakinginatonebutalittleaboveawhisper，thatyoushallnothavetoaskmetwicewhattroublesme。
　　Itookyouforsomeoneelseyesterdayevening。Thattroublesme。
　　Thatmistake？
　　No。Thatsomeoneelse。
　　Whoisit？
　　Idon’tknow。
　　Likeme？
　　Idon’tknow。Ineversawtheface。Theleftarmisacrosstheface，andtherightarmiswaved，——violentlywaved。Thisway。
　　Ifollowedhisactionwithmyeyes，anditwastheactionofanarmgesticulating，withtheutmostpassionandvehemence，ForGod’ssake，cleartheway！
　　Onemoonlightnight，saidtheman，Iwassittinghere，whenI
　　heardavoicecry，’Halloa！Belowthere！’Istartedup，lookedfromthatdoor，andsawthisSomeoneelsestandingbytheredlightnearthetunnel，wavingasIjustnowshowedyou。Thevoiceseemedhoarsewithshouting，anditcried，’Lookout！Lookout！’Andthenattain，’Halloa！Belowthere！Lookout！’Icaughtupmylamp，turneditonred，andrantowardsthefigure，calling，’What’swrong？Whathashappened？Where？’Itstoodjustoutsidetheblacknessofthetunnel。IadvancedsocloseuponitthatI
　　wonderedatitskeepingthesleeveacrossitseyes。Iranrightupatit，andhadmyhandstretchedouttopullthesleeveaway，whenitwasgone。
　　Intothetunnel？saidI。
　　No。Iranonintothetunnel，fivehundredyards。Istopped，andheldmylampabovemyhead，andsawthefiguresofthemeasureddistance，andsawthewetstainsstealingdownthewallsandtricklingthroughthearch。IranoutagainfasterthanIhadruninforIhadamortalabhorrenceoftheplaceuponme，andI
　　lookedallroundtheredlightwithmyownredlight，andIwentuptheironladdertothegalleryatopofit，andIcamedownagain，andranbackhere。Itelegraphedbothways，’Analarmhasbeengiven。Isanythingwrong？’Theanswercameback，bothways，’Allwell。’
　　Resistingtheslowtouchofafrozenfingertracingoutmyspine，I
　　showedhimhowthatthisfiguremustbeadeceptionofhissenseofsight。andhowthatfigures，originatingindiseaseofthedelicatenervesthatministertothefunctionsoftheeye，wereknowntohaveoftentroubledpatients，someofwhomhadbecomeconsciousofthenatureoftheiraffliction，andhadevenproveditbyexperimentsuponthemselves。Astoanimaginarycry，saidI，dobutlistenforamomenttothewindinthisunnaturalvalleywhilewespeaksolow，andtothewildharpitmakesofthetelegraphwires。
　　Thatwasallverywell，hereturned，afterwehadsatlisteningforawhile，andheoughttoknowsomethingofthewindandthewires，——
　　hewhosooftenpassedlongwinternightsthere，aloneandwatching。Buthewouldbegtoremarkthathehadnotfinished。
　　Iaskedhispardon，andheslowlyaddedthesewords，touchingmyarm——
　　WithinsixhoursaftertheAppearance，thememorableaccidentonthisLinehappened，andwithintenhoursthedeadandwoundedwerebroughtalongthroughthetunneloverthespotwherethefigurehadstood。
　　Adisagreeableshuddercreptoverme，butIdidmybestagainstit。
　　Itwasnottobedenied，Irejoined，thatthiswasaremarkablecoincidence，calculateddeeplytoimpresshismind。Butitwasunquestionablethatremarkablecoincidencesdidcontinuallyoccur，andtheymustbetakenintoaccountindealingwithsuchasubject。
　　ThoughtobesureImustadmit，IaddedforIthoughtIsawthathewasgoingtobringtheobjectiontobearuponme，menofcommonsensedidnotallowmuchforcoincidencesinmakingtheordinarycalculationsoflife。
　　Heagainbeggedtoremarkthathehadnotfinished。
　　Iagainbeggedhispardonforbeingbetrayedintointerruptions。
　　This，hesaid，againlayinghishanduponmyarm，andglancingoverhisshoulderwithholloweyes，wasjustayearago。Sixorsevenmonthspassed，andIhadrecoveredfromthesurpriseandshock，whenonemorning，asthedaywasbreaking，I，standingatthedoor，lookedtowardstheredlight，andsawthespectreagain。
　　Hestopped，withafixedlookatme。
　　Diditcryout？
　　No。Itwassilent。
　　Diditwaveitsarm？
　　No。Itleanedagainsttheshaftofthelight，withbothhandsbeforetheface。Likethis。
　　OncemoreIfollowedhisactionwithmyeyes。Itwasanactionofmourning。Ihaveseensuchanattitudeinstonefiguresontombs。
　　Didyougouptoit？
　　Icameinandsatdown，partlytocollectmythoughts，partlybecauseithadturnedmefaint。WhenIwenttothedooragain，daylightwasaboveme，andtheghostwasgone。
　　Butnothingfollowed？Nothingcameofthis？
　　Hetouchedmeonthearmwithhisforefingertwiceorthricegivingaghastlynodeachtime：-
　　Thatveryday，asatraincameoutofthetunnel，Inoticed，atacarriagewindowonmyside，whatlookedlikeaconfusionofhandsandheads，andsomethingwaved。Isawitjustintimetosignalthedriver，Stop！Heshutoff，andputhisbrakeon，butthetraindriftedpasthereahundredandfiftyyardsormore。Iranafterit，and，asIwentalong，heardterriblescreamsandcries。A
　　beautifulyoungladyhaddiedinstantaneouslyinoneofthecompartments，andwasbroughtinhere，andlaiddownonthisfloorbetweenus。
　　InvoluntarilyIpushedmychairback，asIlookedfromtheboardsatwhichhepointedtohimself。
　　True，sir。True。Preciselyasithappened，soItellityou。
　　Icouldthinkofnothingtosay，toanypurpose，andmymouthwasverydry。Thewindandthewirestookupthestorywithalonglamentingwail。
　　Heresumed。Now，sir，markthis，andjudgehowmymindistroubled。Thespectrecamebackaweekago。Eversince，ithasbeenthere，nowandagain，byfitsandstarts。
　　Atthelight？
　　AttheDanger-light。
　　Whatdoesitseemtodo？
　　Herepeated，ifpossiblewithincreasedpassionandvehemence，thatformergesticulationof，ForGod’ssake，cleartheway！

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