There was a bedstead left in one of the rooms, put up by a gentleman who had nearly bought the place, and who, hearing such dreadful stories, determined to try and pass a night there, ere he finally closed:—­but people said he heard such strange noises, and saw such odd sights, that he ran away and never returned; the bed and bedding had, the country people believed, all vanished at the bidding of the ghost; indeed, some scrupled not to say, that he had himself been spirited away.  Papa said when he heard it, that most likely he was ashamed of his cowardice, and that this prevented his going again to the village.

Papa sent for Mr. Davis, or Griffy Davis, as his wife was pleased to call him; but the old body herself came, and entreated of papa not to try and entice him to accompany us; for it seems that papa’s cool and determined manner had made a great impression on Griffy, who, perhaps, got more sceptical on these matters, on account of it.  Mrs. Davis was so importunate on the subject, that she obtained the desired assurance, viz., that Griffeth Davis should not be directly or indirectly tempted to encounter the ghost or ghosts, as the case might be.  The old man soon came, and you would have laughed to see the old dame’s rubicond face, with her large grey eyes, peering over his shoulder; for, notwithstanding; the promise given, she had some doubts that he might be induced to try his prowess in the haunted chamber.  Papa asked him if he knew any strong bodied young man whom a good sum of money would induce to accompany him and stay the night.  Griffy scratched his head, and pondered some short time; till at length, he said he knew, but one at all likely; they were he said all so plaguey timerous, or timmersome I believe was the word; but he thought Davy Evans might go if well paid, if he were certain papa would remain too; but another doubt was started; Davy had talked of taking some cattle to a fair some miles off, and might be gone:  however, it turned out, that he was on hand, and agreeable to go, with the understanding, that he was to have his money, even if papa was conquered by the ghost, or had to run for his ghostship.  This was soon obviated; by papa’s depositing the money in Mrs. Davis’ hands; an arrangement that seemed to give great satisfaction to Davy.  The next difficulty was the bedding necessary, this, as Mrs. Davis never expected to see it again, had to be paid for.  Davy Evans, seemed a stout stalwart fellow, who had rather a good countenance.  Papa who had put the same question before; again asked, “if he were sure he was not afraid.”

“Oh no, sir,” said Davy, “not a bit, thank God, I never intentionally harmed man, woman, or child, or wronged them, that I of, in any way, and therefore, I may trust in Providence, go wherever I will, and I certainly ain’t afraid of the ghosts up there.”

“But your courage may fail you, my friend, at the last.”

“There’s nothing like trying, 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?”