All regard to secrecy was now at an end; the echo ran through the whole family—­ “They have seen the ghost!”

The Baron desired Oswald to talk to the young men, and endeavour to quiet the disturbance.  He came forward; he comforted some, he rebuked others; he bad the servants retire into the outward room.  The Baron, with his sons and kinsmen, remained in the bed-chamber.

“It is very unfortunate,” said Oswald, “that this affair should be made so public; surely these young men might have related what they had seen, without alarming the whole family.  I am very much concerned upon my lord’s account.”

“I thank you, father,” said the Baron; “but prudence was quite overthrown here.  Wenlock was half dead, and Markham half distracted; the family were alarmed without my being able to prevent it.  But let us hear what these poor terrified creatures say.”

Oswald demanded, “What have you seen, gentlemen?”

“The ghost!” said Markham.

“In what form did it appear?”

“A man in armour.”

“Did it speak to you?”

“No.”

“What did it do to terrify you so much?”

“It stood at the farthest door, and pointed to the outward door, as if to have us leave the room; we did not wait for a second notice, but came away as fast as we could.”

“Did it follow you?”

“No.”

“Then you need not have raised such a disturbance.”

Wenlock lifted up his head, and spoke—­

“I believe, father, if you had been with us, you would not have stood upon ceremonies any more than we did.  I wish my lord would send you to parley with the ghost; for, without doubt, you are better qualified than we.”

“My Lord,” said Oswald, “I will go thither, with your permission; I will see that every thing is safe, and bring the key back to you; Perhaps this may help to dispel the fears that have been raised—­at least, I will try to do it.”

“I thank you, father, for your good offices—­do as you please.”

Oswald went into the outward room.  “I am going,” said he, “to shut up the apartment.  The young gentlemen have been more frightened than they had occasion for; I will try to account for it.  Which of you will go with me?”

They all drew back, except Joseph, who offered to bear him company.  They went into the bedroom in the haunted apartment, and found every thing quiet there.  They put out the fire, extinguished the lights, locked the door, and brought away the key.  As they returned, “I thought how it would be,” said Joseph.

“Hush! not a word,” said Oswald; “you find we are suspected of something, though they know not what.  Wait till you are called upon, and then we will both speak to purpose.”  They carried the key to the Baron.

“All is quiet in the apartment,” said Oswald, “as we can testify.”

“Did you ask Joseph to go with you,” said the Baron, “or did he offer himself?”