The aspect of the country became more uneven as I advanced, and the disappearing sun threw out the hills in cold blue relief against the evening sky.  One peak to the northward stood high and isolated from the surrounding hills, and was crowned by a spacious dwelling house; the high peaked roof and dark gloomy color of its exterior comported strangely with the landscape.

To this building an unseen influence drew me.  As I approached nearer I discovered the figure of a man walking with restless step upon the piazza which surrounded the dwelling.  At times he would suspend his walk, and crouch, shuddering as with fear, against the shadowed balustrade.  His face was of ashy paleness, and his hair, black as night, fell in neglected masses around his head.  His eyes were bright and glassy, and their expression frightful to look upon.

Unconscious of my proximity, he arose from his crouching position, stood for a moment irresolute, and then walked up to the heavy oaken, door and knocked.

Presently the door was opened by a lady; she looked out, but could see no one.  “It must have been the wind,” said she, shuddering slightly, and drawing her shawl closely around her, was about to close the door.  But before she could accomplish her purpose the unseen guest had entered, with myself following closely behind, hoping to give comfort where it appeared most sorely needed.

Up a broad staircase he ascended and at a chamber door he paused—­then entered.  I followed.  His presence seemed to cause the very furniture to shake and rattle.

“Here,” thought I, “I will solve the enigma.  Here, without doubt, has occurred some grand disturbance of nature.  The walls of this apartment, its casements, its decorations, have been witness to some fell crime.  The spectre of evil impresses itself upon matter.”

While reflecting upon this wonderful law, which all my life I had perceived dimly, I observed with care the evidently unhappy man.  A bedstead of rich workmanship occupied one side of the apartment.  Rushing toward it he burst forth in a cry of frenzy, swaying his hands fearfully and ejaculating and groaning in most piteous accents.

At this juncture steps were heard outside ascending the stairs, and several members of the household entered, bearing lights.  They looked about the room, at first timidly; then, gathering courage, peered under the bed, opened closets, and scrutinized every nook and corner of the apartment.  Foiled in their efforts to discover the inmate they turned to each other with amazement.

“I am positive the sounds came from this room,” said one.  “There is no one to be seen here,” replied another; “what can it mean?”

The culprit stood in the corner, gesticulating violently, but they with their mortal eyes could not see him.  They passed close to him, but their lighted candles could not reveal the shadowless!

Having satisfied themselves that the room was tenantless, they departed.  Then I approached the unhappy wretch: