Thenhewenton。Ihavenopeaceorrestforit。Itcallstome，formanyminutestogether，inanagonisedmanner，’Belowthere！
　　Lookout！Lookout！’Itstandswavingtome。Itringsmylittlebell——
　　Icaughtatthat。DiditringyourbellyesterdayeveningwhenI
　　washere，andyouwenttothedoor？
　　Twice。
　　Why，see，saidI，howyourimaginationmisleadsyou。Myeyeswereonthebell，andmyearswereopentothebell，andifIamalivingman，itdidNOTringatthosetimes。No，noratanyothertime，exceptwhenitwasrunginthenaturalcourseofphysicalthingsbythestationcommunicatingwithyou。
　　Heshookhishead。Ihavenevermadeamistakeastothatyet，sir。Ihaveneverconfusedthespectre’sringwiththeman’s。Theghost’sringisastrangevibrationinthebellthatitderivesfromnothingelse，andIhavenotassertedthatthebellstirstotheeye。Idon’twonderthatyoufailedtohearit。ButIheardit。
　　Anddidthespectreseemtobethere，whenyoulookedout？
　　ItWASthere。
　　Bothtimes？
　　Herepeatedfirmly：Bothtimes。
　　Willyoucometothedoorwithme，andlookforitnow？
　　Hebithisunderlipasthoughheweresomewhatunwilling，butarose。Iopenedthedoor，andstoodonthestep，whilehestoodinthedoorway。TherewastheDanger-light。Therewasthedismalmouthofthetunnel。Therewerethehigh，wetstonewallsofthecutting。Therewerethestarsabovethem。
　　Doyouseeit？Iaskedhim，takingparticularnoteofhisface。
　　Hiseyeswereprominentandstrained，butnotverymuchmoreso，perhaps，thanmyownhadbeenwhenIhaddirectedthemearnestlytowardsthesamespot。
　　No，heanswered。Itisnotthere。
　　Agreed，saidI。
　　Wewentinagain，shutthedoor，andresumedourseats。Iwasthinkinghowbesttoimprovethisadvantage，ifitmightbecalledone，whenhetookuptheconversationinsuchamatter-of-courseway，soassumingthattherecouldbenoseriousquestionoffactbetweenus，thatIfeltmyselfplacedintheweakestofpositions。
　　Bythistimeyouwillfullyunderstand，sir，hesaid，thatwhattroublesmesodreadfullyisthequestion，Whatdoesthespectremean？
　　Iwasnotsure，Itoldhim，thatIdidfullyunderstand。
　　Whatisitswarningagainst？hesaid，ruminating，withhiseyesonthefire，andonlybytimesturningthemonme。Whatisthedanger？Whereisthedanger？ThereisdangeroverhangingsomewhereontheLine。Somedreadfulcalamitywillhappen。Itisnottobedoubtedthisthirdtime，afterwhathasgonebefore。ButsurelythisisacruelhauntingofME。WhatcanIdo？
　　Hepulledouthishandkerchief，andwipedthedropsfromhisheatedforehead。
　　IfItelegraphDanger，oneithersideofme，oronboth，Icangivenoreasonforit，hewenton，wipingthepalmsofhishands。
　　Ishouldgetintotrouble，anddonogood。TheywouldthinkIwasmad。Thisisthewayitwouldwork，——Message：’Danger！Takecare！’Answer：’WhatDanger？Where？’Message：’Don’tknow。
　　But，forGod’ssake，takecare！’Theywoulddisplaceme。Whatelsecouldtheydo？
　　Hispainofmindwasmostpitiabletosee。Itwasthementaltortureofaconscientiousman，oppressedbeyondendurancebyanunintelligibleresponsibilityinvolvinglife。
　　WhenitfirststoodundertheDanger-light，hewenton，puttinghisdarkhairbackfromhishead，anddrawinghishandsoutwardacrossandacrosshistemplesinanextremityoffeverishdistress，whynottellmewherethataccidentwastohappen，——ifitmusthappen？Whynottellmehowitcouldbeaverted，——ifitcouldhavebeenaverted？Whenonitssecondcomingithiditsface，whynottellme，instead，’Sheisgoingtodie。Letthemkeepherathome’？Ifitcame，onthosetwooccasions，onlytoshowmethatitswarningsweretrue，andsotopreparemeforthethird，whynotwarnmeplainlynow？AndI，Lordhelpme！Amerepoorsignal-manonthissolitarystation！Whynotgotosomebodywithcredittobebelieved，andpowertoact？
　　WhenIsawhiminthisstate，Isawthatforthepoorman’ssake，aswellasforthepublicsafety，whatIhadtodoforthetimewastocomposehismind。Therefore，settingasideallquestionofrealityorunrealitybetweenus，Irepresentedtohimthatwhoeverthoroughlydischargedhisdutymustdowell，andthatatleastitwashiscomfortthatheunderstoodhisduty，thoughhedidnotunderstandtheseconfoundingAppearances。InthiseffortI
　　succeededfarbetterthanintheattempttoreasonhimoutofhisconviction。Hebecamecalm。theoccupationsincidentaltohispostasthenightadvancedbegantomakelargerdemandsonhisattention：andIlefthimattwointhemorning。Ihadofferedtostaythroughthenight，buthewouldnothearofit。
　　ThatImorethanoncelookedbackattheredlightasIascendedthepathway，thatIdidnotliketheredlight，andthatIshouldhavesleptbutpoorlyifmybedhadbeenunderit，Iseenoreasontoconceal。NordidIlikethetwosequencesoftheaccidentandthedeadgirl。Iseenoreasontoconcealthateither。
　　ButwhatranmostinmythoughtswastheconsiderationhowoughtI
　　toact，havingbecometherecipientofthisdisclosure？Ihadprovedthemantobeintelligent，vigilant，painstaking，andexact。
　　buthowlongmightheremainso，inhisstateofmind？Thoughinasubordinateposition，stillheheldamostimportanttrust，andwouldIforinstanceliketostakemyownlifeonthechancesofhiscontinuingtoexecuteitwithprecision？
　　UnabletoovercomeafeelingthattherewouldbesomethingtreacherousinmycommunicatingwhathehadtoldmetohissuperiorsintheCompany，withoutfirstbeingplainwithhimselfandproposingamiddlecoursetohim，Iultimatelyresolvedtooffertoaccompanyhimotherwisekeepinghissecretforthepresenttothewisestmedicalpractitionerwecouldhearofinthoseparts，andtotakehisopinion。Achangeinhistimeofdutywouldcomeroundnextnight，hehadapprisedme，andhewouldbeoffanhourortwoaftersunrise，andonagainsoonaftersunset。
　　Ihadappointedtoreturnaccordingly。
　　Nexteveningwasalovelyevening，andIwalkedoutearlytoenjoyit。ThesunwasnotyetquitedownwhenItraversedthefield-pathnearthetopofthedeepcutting。Iwouldextendmywalkforanhour，Isaidtomyself，halfanhouronandhalfanhourback，anditwouldthenbetimetogotomysignal-man’sbox。
　　Beforepursuingmystroll，Isteppedtothebrink，andmechanicallylookeddown，fromthepointfromwhichIhadfirstseenhim。I
　　cannotdescribethethrillthatseizeduponme，when，closeatthemouthofthetunnel，Isawtheappearanceofaman，withhisleftsleeveacrosshiseyes，passionatelywavinghisrightarm。
　　Thenamelesshorrorthatoppressedmepassedinamoment，forinamomentIsawthatthisappearanceofamanwasamanindeed，andthattherewasalittlegroupofothermen，standingatashortdistance，towhomheseemedtoberehearsingthegesturehemade。
　　TheDanger-lightwasnotyetlighted。Againstitsshaft，alittlelowhut，entirelynewtome，hadbeenmadeofsomewoodensupportsandtarpaulin。Itlookednobiggerthanabed。
　　Withanirresistiblesensethatsomethingwaswrong，——withaflashingself-reproachfulfearthatfatalmischiefhadcomeofmyleavingthemanthere，andcausingnoonetobesenttooverlookorcorrectwhathedid，——IdescendedthenotchedpathwithallthespeedIcouldmake。
　　Whatisthematter？Iaskedthemen。
　　Signal-mankilledthismorning，sir。
　　Notthemanbelongingtothatbox？
　　Yes，sir。
　　NotthemanIknow？
　　Youwillrecognisehim，sir，ifyouknewhim，saidthemanwhospokefortheothers，solemnlyuncoveringhisownhead，andraisinganendofthetarpaulin，forhisfaceisquitecomposed。
　　Oh，howdidthishappen，howdidthishappen？Iasked，turningfromonetoanotherasthehutclosedinagain。
　　Hewascutdownbyanengine，sir。NomaninEnglandknewhisworkbetter。Butsomehowhewasnotclearoftheouterrail。Itwasjustatbroadday。Hehadstruckthelight，andhadthelampinhishand。Astheenginecameoutofthetunnel，hisbackwastowardsher，andshecuthimdown。Thatmandroveher，andwasshowinghowithappened。Showthegentleman，Tom。
　　Theman，whoworearoughdarkdress，steppedbacktohisformerplaceatthemouthofthetunnel。
　　Comingroundthecurveinthetunnel，sir，hesaid，Isawhimattheend，likeasifIsawhimdownaperspective-glass。Therewasnotimetocheckspeed，andIknewhimtobeverycareful。Ashedidn’tseemtotakeheedofthewhistle，Ishutitoffwhenwewererunningdownuponhim，andcalledtohimasloudasIcouldcall。
　　Whatdidyousay？
　　Isaid，’Belowthere！Lookout！Lookout！ForGod’ssake，cleartheway！’
　　Istarted。
　　Ah！itwasadreadfultime，sir。Ineverleftoffcallingtohim。
　　Iputthisarmbeforemyeyesnottosee，andIwavedthisarmtothelast。butitwasnouse。
　　Withoutprolongingthenarrativetodwellonanyoneofitscuriouscircumstancesmorethanonanyother，Imay，inclosingit，pointoutthecoincidencethatthewarningoftheEngine-Driverincluded，notonlythewordswhichtheunfortunateSignal-manhadrepeatedtomeashauntinghim，butalsothewordswhichImyself——nothe——hadattached，andthatonlyinmyownmind，tothegesticulationhehadimitated。
　　BulwerLyttonTheHauntedandtheHaunters。
　　Or，TheHouseandtheBrainAfriendofmine，whoisamanoflettersandaphilosopher，saidtomeoneday，asifbetweenjestandearnest，Fancy！sincewelastmetIhavediscoveredahauntedhouseinthemidstofLondon。
　　Reallyhaunted，——andbywhat？——ghosts？
　　Well，Ican’tanswerthatquestion。allIknowisthis：sixweeksagomywifeandIwereinsearchofafurnishedapartment。Passingaquietstreet，wesawonthewindowofoneofthehousesabill，’Apartments，Furnished。’Thesituationsuitedus。weenteredthehouse，likedtherooms，engagedthembytheweek，——andleftthemthethirdday。Nopoweronearthcouldhavereconciledmywifetostaylonger。andIdon’twonderatit。
　　Whatdidyousee？
　　Excuseme。Ihavenodesiretoberidiculedasasuperstitiousdreamer，——nor，ontheotherhand，couldIaskyoutoacceptonmyaffirmationwhatyouwouldholdtobeincrediblewithouttheevidenceofyourownsenses。Letmeonlysaythis，itwasnotsomuchwhatwesaworheardinwhichyoumightfairlysupposethatwewerethedupesofourownexcitedfancy，orthevictimsofimpostureinothersthatdroveusaway，asitwasanindefinableterrorwhichseizedbothofuswheneverwepassedbythedoorofacertainunfurnishedroom，inwhichweneithersawnorheardanything。Andthestrangestmarvelofallwas，thatforonceinmylifeIagreedwithmywife，sillywomanthoughshebe，——andallowed，afterthethirdnight，thatitwasimpossibletostayafourthinthathouse。Accordingly，onthefourthmorningI
　　summonedthewomanwhokeptthehouseandattendedonus，andtoldherthattheroomsdidnotquitesuitus，andwewouldnotstayoutourweek。Shesaiddryly，’Iknowwhy。youhavestayedlongerthananyotherlodger。Feweverstayedasecondnight。nonebeforeyouathird。ButItakeittheyhavebeenverykindtoyou。’
　　’They，——who？’Iasked，affectingtosmile。
　　’Why，theywhohauntthehouse，whoevertheyare。Idon’tmindthem。Irememberthemmanyyearsago，whenIlivedinthishouse，notasaservant。butIknowtheywillbethedeathofmesomeday。
　　Idon’tcare，——I’mold，andmustdiesoonanyhow。andthenIshallbewiththem，andinthishousestill。’Thewomanspokewithsodrearyacalmnessthatreallyitwasasortofawethatpreventedmyconversingwithherfurther。Ipaidformyweek，andtoohappyweremywifeandItogetoffsocheaply。
　　Youexcitemycuriosity，saidI。nothingIshouldlikebetterthantosleepinahauntedhouse。Praygivemetheaddressoftheonewhichyouleftsoignominiously。
　　Myfriendgavemetheaddress。andwhenweparted，Iwalkedstraighttowardthehousethusindicated。
　　ItissituatedonthenorthsideofOxfordStreet，inadullbutrespectablethoroughfare。Ifoundthehouseshutup，——nobillatthewindow，andnoresponsetomyknock。AsIwasturningaway，abeer-boy，collectingpewterpotsattheneighboringareas，saidtome，Doyouwantanyoneatthathouse，sir？
　　Yes，Ihearditwastobelet。
　　Let！——why，thewomanwhokeptitisdead，——hasbeendeadthesethreeweeks，andnoonecanbefoundtostaythere，thoughMr。J——
　　offeredeversomuch。Heofferedmother，whocharsforhim，onepoundaweekjusttoopenandshutthewindows，andshewouldnot。
　　Wouldnot！——andwhy？
　　Thehouseishaunted。andtheoldwomanwhokeptitwasfounddeadinherbed，withhereyeswideopen。Theysaythedevilstrangledher。
　　Pooh！YouspeakofMr。J。Ishetheownerofthehouse？
　　Yes。
　　Wheredoeshelive？
　　InG——Street，No。
　　Whatishe？Inanybusiness？
　　No，sir，——nothingparticular。asinglegentleman。
　　Igavethepotboythegratuityearnedbyhisliberalinformation，andproceededtoMr。J——，inG——Street，whichwasclosebythestreetthatboastedthehauntedhouse。IwasluckyenoughtofindMr。J——athome，——anelderlymanwithintelligentcountenanceandprepossessingmanners。
　　Icommunicatedmynameandmybusinessfrankly。IsaidIheardthehousewasconsideredtobehaunted，thatIhadastrongdesiretoexamineahousewithsoequivocalareputation。thatIshouldbegreatlyobligedifhewouldallowmetohireit，thoughonlyforanight。Iwaswillingtopayforthatprivilegewhateverhemightbeinclinedtoask。Sir，saidMr。J——，withgreatcourtesy，thehouseisatyourservice，forasshortoraslongatimeasyouplease。Rentisoutofthequestion，——theobligationwillbeonmysideshouldyoubeabletodiscoverthecauseofthestrangephenomenawhichatpresentdepriveitofallvalue。Icannotletit，forIcannotevengetaservanttokeepitinorderoranswerthedoor。Unluckilythehouseishaunted，ifImayusethatexpression，notonlybynight，butbyday。thoughatnightthedisturbancesareofamoreunpleasantandsometimesofamorealarmingcharacter。ThepooroldwomanwhodiedinitthreeweeksagowasapauperwhomItookoutofaworkhouse。forinherchildhoodshehadbeenknowntosomeofmyfamily，andhadoncebeeninsuchgoodcircumstancesthatshehadrentedthathouseofmyuncle。Shewasawomanofsuperioreducationandstrongmind，andwastheonlypersonIcouldeverinducetoremaininthehouse。
　　Indeed，sinceherdeath，whichwassudden，andthecoroner’sinquest，whichgaveitanotorietyintheneighborhood，Ihavesodespairedoffindinganypersontotakechargeofthehouse，muchmoreatenant，thatIwouldwillinglyletitrentfreeforayeartoanyonewhowouldpayitsratesandtaxes。
　　Howlongisitsincethehouseacquiredthissinistercharacter？
　　ThatIcanscarcelytellyou，butverymanyyearssince。TheoldwomanIspokeof，saiditwashauntedwhensherenteditbetweenthirtyandfortyyearsago。Thefactis，thatmylifehasbeenspentintheEastIndies，andinthecivilserviceoftheCompany。
　　IreturnedtoEnglandlastyear，oninheritingthefortuneofanuncle，amongwhosepossessionswasthehouseinquestion。Ifounditshutupanduninhabited。Iwastoldthatitwashaunted，thatnoonewouldinhabitit。Ismiledatwhatseemedtomesoidleastory。Ispentsomemoneyinrepairingit，addedtoitsold-
　　fashionedfurnitureafewmodernarticles，——advertisedit，andobtainedalodgerforayear。Hewasacolonelonhalfpay。Hecameinwithhisfamily，asonandadaughter，andfourorfiveservants：theyallleftthehousethenextday。and，althougheachofthemdeclaredthathehadseensomethingdifferentfromthatwhichhadscaredtheothers，asomethingstillwasequallyterribletoall。Ireallycouldnotinconsciencesue，norevenblame，thecolonelforbreachofagreement。ThenIputintheoldwomanI
　　havespokenof，andshewasempoweredtoletthehouseinapartments。Ineverhadonelodgerwhostayedmorethanthreedays。Idonottellyoutheirstories，——tonotwolodgershavetherebeenexactlythesamephenomenarepeated。Itisbetterthatyoushouldjudgeforyourself，thanenterthehousewithanimaginationinfluencedbypreviousnarratives。onlybepreparedtoseeandtohearsomethingorother，andtakewhateverprecautionsyouyourselfplease。
　　Haveyouneverhadacuriosityyourselftopassanightinthathouse？
　　Yes。Ipassednotanight，butthreehoursinbroaddaylightaloneinthathouse。Mycuriosityisnotsatisfied，butitisquenched。Ihavenodesiretorenewtheexperiment。Youcannotcomplain，yousee，sir，thatIamnotsufficientlycandid。andunlessyourinterestbeexceedinglyeagerandyournervesunusuallystrong，Ihonestlyadd，thatIadviseyouNOTtopassanightinthathouse。
　　MyinterestISexceedinglykeen，saidI。andthoughonlyacowardwillboastofhisnervesinsituationswhollyunfamiliartohim，yetmynerveshavebeenseasonedinsuchvarietyofdangerthatIhavetherighttorelyonthem，——eveninahauntedhouse。
　　Mr。J——saidverylittlemore。hetookthekeysofthehouseoutofhisbureau，gavethemtome，——and，thankinghimcordiallyforhisfrankness，andhisurbaneconcessiontomywish，Icarriedoffmyprize。
　　Impatientfortheexperiment，assoonasIreachedhome，Isummonedmyconfidentialservant，——ayoungmanofgayspirits，fearlesstemper，andasfreefromsuperstitiousprejudiceasanyoneIcouldthinkof。
　　F——，saidI，yourememberinGermanyhowdisappointedwewereatnotfindingaghostinthatoldcastle，whichwassaidtobehauntedbyaheadlessapparition？Well，IhaveheardofahouseinLondonwhich，Ihavereasontohope，isdecidedlyhaunted。Imeantosleepthereto-night。FromwhatIhear，thereisnodoubtthatsomethingwillallowitselftobeseenortobeheard，——something，perhaps，excessivelyhorrible。DoyouthinkifItakeyouwithme，Imayrelyonyourpresenceofmind，whatevermayhappen？
　　Oh，sir，praytrustme，answeredF——，grinningwithdelight。
　　Verywell。thenherearethekeysofthehouse，——thisistheaddress。Gonow，——selectformeanybedroomyouplease。andsincethehousehasnotbeeninhabitedforweeks，makeupagoodfire，airthebedwell，——see，ofcourse，thattherearecandlesaswellasfuel。Takewithyoumyrevolverandmydagger，——somuchformyweapons。armyourselfequallywell。andifwearenotamatchforadozenghosts，weshallbebutasorrycoupleofEnglishmen。
　　IwasengagedfortherestofthedayonbusinesssourgentthatI
　　hadnotleisuretothinkmuchonthenocturnaladventuretowhichI
　　hadplightedmyhonor。Idinedalone，andverylate，andwhiledining，read，asismyhabit。IselectedoneofthevolumesofMacaulay’sEssays。IthoughttomyselfthatIwouldtakethebookwithme。therewassomuchofhealthfulnessinthestyle，andpracticallifeinthesubjects，thatitwouldserveasanantidoteagainsttheinfluencesofsuperstitiousfancy。
　　Accordingly，abouthalf-pastnine，Iputthebookintomypocket，andstrolledleisurelytowardthehauntedhouse。Itookwithmeafavoritedog：anexceedinglysharp，bold，andvigilantbullterrier，——adogfondofprowlingaboutstrange，ghostlycornersandpassagesatnightinsearchofrats。adogofdogsforaghost。
　　Ireachedthehouse，knocked，andmyservantopenedwithacheerfulsmile。
　　Wedidnotstaylonginthedrawing-rooms，——infact，theyfeltsodampandsochillythatIwasgladtogettothefireupstairs。Welockedthedoorsofthedrawing-rooms，——aprecautionwhich，I
　　shouldobserve，wehadtakenwithalltheroomswehadsearchedbelow。Thebedroommyservanthadselectedformewasthebestonthefloor，——alargeone，withtwowindowsfrontingthestreet。Thefour-postedbed，whichtookupnoinconsiderablespace，wasoppositetothefire，whichburnedclearandbright。adoorinthewalltotheleft，betweenthebedandthewindow，communicatedwiththeroomwhichmyservantappropriatedtohimself。Thislastwasasmallroomwithasofabed，andhadnocommunicationwiththelandingplace，——nootherdoorbutthatwhichconductedtothebedroomIwastooccupy。Oneithersideofmyfireplacewasacupboardwithoutlocks，flushwiththewall，andcoveredwiththesamedull-brownpaper。Weexaminedthesecupboards，——onlyhookstosuspendfemaledresses，nothingelse。wesoundedthewalls，——
　　evidentlysolid，theouterwallsofthebuilding。Havingfinishedthesurveyoftheseapartments，warmedmyselfafewmoments，andlightedmycigar，Ithen，stillaccompaniedbyF——，wentforthtocompletemyreconnoiter。Inthelandingplacetherewasanotherdoor。itwasclosedfirmly。Sir，saidmyservant，insurprise，IunlockedthisdoorwithalltheotherswhenIfirstcame。itcannothavegotlockedfromtheinside，for——
　　Beforehehadfinishedhissentence，thedoor，whichneitherofusthenwastouching，openedquietlyofitself。Welookedateachotherasingleinstant。Thesamethoughtseizedboth，——somehumanagencymightbedetectedhere。Irushedinfirst，myservantfollowed。Asmall，blank，drearyroomwithoutfurniture。afewemptyboxesandhampersinacorner。asmallwindow。theshuttersclosed。notevenafireplace。nootherdoorbutthatbywhichwehadentered。nocarpetonthefloor，andthefloorseemedveryold，uneven，worm-eaten，mendedhereandthere，aswasshownbythewhiterpatchesonthewood。butnolivingbeing，andnovisibleplaceinwhichalivingbeingcouldhavehidden。Aswestoodgazinground，thedoorbywhichwehadenteredclosedasquietlyasithadbeforeopened。wewereimprisoned。
　　ForthefirsttimeIfeltacreepofindefinablehorror。Notsomyservant。Why，theydon’tthinktotrapus，sir。Icouldbreakthattrumperydoorwithakickofmyfoot。
　　Tryfirstifitwillopentoyourhand，saidI，shakingoffthevagueapprehensionthathadseizedme，whileIunclosetheshuttersandseewhatiswithout。
　　Iunbarredtheshutters，——thewindowlookedonthelittlebackyardIhavebeforedescribed。therewasnoledgewithout，——nothingtobreakthesheerdescentofthewall。Nomangettingoutofthatwindowwouldhavefoundanyfootingtillhehadfallenonthestonesbelow。
　　F——，meanwhile，wasvainlyattemptingtoopenthedoor。Henowturnedroundtomeandaskedmypermissiontouseforce。AndI
　　shouldherestate，injusticetotheservant，that，farfromevincinganysuperstitiousterrors，hisnerve，composure，andevengayetyamidstcircumstancessoextraordinary，compelledmyadmiration，andmademecongratulatemyselfonhavingsecuredacompanionineverywayfittedtotheoccasion。Iwillinglygavehimthepermissionherequired。Butthoughhewasaremarkablystrongman，hisforcewasasidleashismilderefforts。thedoordidnotevenshaketohisstoutestkick。Breathlessandpanting，hedesisted。Ithentriedthedoormyself，equallyinvain。AsI
　　ceasedfromtheeffort，againthatcreepofhorrorcameoverme。
　　butthistimeitwasmorecoldandstubborn。Ifeltasifsomestrangeandghastlyexhalationwererisingupfromthechinksofthatruggedfloor，andfillingtheatmospherewithavenomousinfluencehostiletohumanlife。Thedoornowveryslowlyandquietlyopenedasofitsownaccord。Weprecipitatedourselvesintothelandingplace。Webothsawalarge，palelight——aslargeasthehumanfigure，butshapelessandunsubstantial——movebeforeus，andascendthestairsthatledfromthelandingintotheattics。Ifollowedthelight，andmyservantfollowedme。Itentered，totherightofthelanding，asmallgarret，ofwhichthedoorstoodopen。Ienteredinthesameinstant。Thelightthencollapsedintoasmallglobule，exceedinglybrilliantandvivid，restedamomentonabedinthecorner，quivered，andvanished。Weapproachedthebedandexaminedit，——ahalf-tester，suchasiscommonlyfoundinatticsdevotedtoservants。Onthedrawersthatstoodnearitweperceivedanoldfadedsilkkerchief，withtheneedlestillleftinarenthalfrepaired。Thekerchiefwascoveredwithdust。probablyithadbelongedtotheoldwomanwhohadlastdiedinthathouse，andthismighthavebeenhersleepingroom。Ihadsufficientcuriositytoopenthedrawers：therewereafewoddsandendsoffemaledress，andtwoletterstiedroundwithanarrowribbonoffadedyellow。Itookthelibertytopossessmyselfoftheletters。Wefoundnothingelseintheroomworthnoticing，——nordidthelightreappear。butwedistinctlyheard，asweturnedtogo，apatteringfootfallonthefloor，justbeforeus。
　　Wewentthroughtheotheratticsinallfour，thefootfallstillprecedingus。Nothingtobeseen，——nothingbutthefootfallheard。
　　Ihadthelettersinmyhand。justasIwasdescendingthestairsI
　　distinctlyfeltmywristseized，andafaint，softeffortmadetodrawthelettersfrommyclasp。Ionlyheldthemthemoretightly，andtheeffortceased。
　　Weregainedthebedchamberappropriatedtomyself，andIthenremarkedthatmydoghadnotfolloweduswhenwehadleftit。Hewasthrustinghimselfclosetothefire，andtrembling。Iwasimpatienttoexaminetheletters。andwhileIreadthem，myservantopenedalittleboxinwhichhehaddepositedtheweaponsIhadorderedhimtobring，tookthemout，placedthemonatablecloseatmybedhead，andthenoccupiedhimselfinsoothingthedog，who，however，seemedtoheedhimverylittle。
　　Theletterswereshort，——theyweredated。thedatesexactlythirty-
　　fiveyearsago。Theywereevidentlyfromalovertohismistress，orahusbandtosomeyoungwife。Notonlythetermsofexpression，butadistinctreferencetoaformervoyage，indicatedthewritertohavebeenaseafarer。Thespellingandhandwritingwerethoseofamanimperfectlyeducated，butstillthelanguageitselfwasforcible。Intheexpressionsofendearmenttherewasakindofrough，wildlove。buthereandthereweredarkunintelligiblehintsatsomesecretnotoflove，——somesecretthatseemedofcrime。Weoughttoloveeachother，wasoneofthesentencesIremember，forhoweveryoneelsewouldexecrateusifallwasknown。Again：
　　Don’tletanyonebeinthesameroomwithyouatnight，——youtalkinyoursleep。Andagain：What’sdonecan’tbeundone。andI
　　tellyouthere’snothingagainstusunlessthedeadcouldcometolife。Heretherewasunderlinedinabetterhandwritingafemale’s，Theydo！Attheendoftheletterlatestindatethesamefemalehandhadwrittenthesewords：Lostatseathe4thofJune，thesamedayas——
　　Iputdowntheletters，andbegantomuseovertheircontents。
　　Fearing，however，thatthetrainofthoughtintowhichIfellmightunsteadymynerves，Ifullydeterminedtokeepmymindinafitstatetocopewithwhateverofmarveloustheadvancingnightmightbringforth。Irousedmyself。laidthelettersonthetable。
　　stirredupthefire，whichwasstillbrightandcheering。andopenedmyvolumeofMacaulay。Ireadquietlyenoughtillabouthalfpasteleven。Ithenthrewmyselfdresseduponthebed，andtoldmyservanthemightretiretohisownroom，butmustkeephimselfawake。Ibadehimleaveopenthedoorbetweenthetworooms。Thusalone，Ikepttwocandlesburningonthetablebymybedhead。Iplacedmywatchbesidetheweapons，andcalmlyresumedmyMacaulay。Oppositetomethefireburnedclear。andonthehearthrug，seeminglyasleep，laythedog。InabouttwentyminutesIfeltanexceedinglycoldairpassbymycheek，likeasuddendraught。Ifanciedthedoortomyright，communicatingwiththelandingplace，musthavegotopen。butno，——itwasclosed。Ithenturnedmyglancetomyleft，andsawtheflameofthecandlesviolentlyswayedasbyawind。Atthesamemomentthewatchbesidetherevolversoftlyslidfromthetable，——softly，softly。novisiblehand，——itwasgone。Isprangup，seizingtherevolverwiththeonehand，thedaggerwiththeother。Iwasnotwillingthatmyweaponsshouldsharethefateofthewatch。Thusarmed，Ilookedroundthefloor，——nosignofthewatch。Threeslow，loud，distinctknockswerenowheardatthebedhead。myservantcalledout，Isthatyou，sir？
　　No。beonyourguard。
　　Thedognowrousedhimselfandsatonhishaunches，hisearsmovingquicklybackwardandforward。Hekepthiseyesfixedonmewithalooksostrangethatheconcenteredallmyattentiononhimself。
　　Slowlyheroseup，allhishairbristling，andstoodperfectlyrigid，andwiththesamewildstare。Ihadnotime，however，toexaminethedog。Presentlymyservantemergedfromhisroom。andifeverIsawhorrorinthehumanface，itwasthen。Ishouldnothaverecognizedhimhadwemetinthestreet，soalteredwaseverylineament。Hepassedbymequickly，saying，inawhisperthatseemedscarcelytocomefromhislips，Run，run！itisafterme！
　　Hegainedthedoortothelanding，pulleditopen，andrushedforth。Ifollowedhimintothelandinginvoluntarily，callinghimtostop。but，withoutheedingme，heboundeddownthestairs，clingingtothebalusters，andtakingseveralstepsatatime。I
　　heard，whereIstood，thestreetdooropen，——hearditagainclapto。Iwasleftaloneinthehauntedhouse。
　　ItwasbutforamomentthatIremainedundecidedwhetherornottofollowmyservant。prideandcuriosityalikeforbadesodastardlyaflight。Ire-enteredmyroom，closingthedoorafterme，andproceededcautiouslyintotheinteriorchamber。Iencounterednothingtojustifymyservant’sterror。Iagaincarefullyexaminedthewalls，toseeiftherewereanyconcealeddoor。Icouldfindnotraceofone，——notevenaseaminthedull-brownpaperwithwhichtheroomwashung。How，then，hadtheTHING，whateveritwas，whichhadsoscaredhim，obtainedingressexceptthoughmyownchamber？
　　Ireturnedtomyroom，shutandlockedthedoorthatopenedupontheinteriorone，andstoodonthehearth，expectantandprepared。
　　Inowperceivedthatthedoghadslunkintoanangleofthewall，andwaspressinghimselfcloseagainstit，asifliterallystrivingtoforcehiswayintoit。Iapproachedtheanimalandspoketoit。
　　thepoorbrutewasevidentlybesideitselfwithterror。Itshowedallitsteeth，theslaverdroppingfromitsjaws，andwouldcertainlyhavebittenmeifIhadtouchedit。Itdidnotseemtorecognizeme。WhoeverhasseenattheZoologicalGardensarabbit，fascinatedbyaserpent，coweringinacorner，mayformsomeideaoftheanguishwhichthedogexhibited。Findingalleffortstosoothetheanimalinvain，andfearingthathisbitemightbeasvenomousinthatstateasinthemadnessofhydrophobia，Ilefthimalone，placedmyweaponsonthetablebesidethefire，seatedmyself，andrecommencedmyMacaulay。
　　Perhaps，inordernottoappearseekingcreditforacourage，orratheracoolness，whichthereadermayconceiveIexaggerate，I
　　maybepardonedifIpausetoindulgeinoneortwoegotisticalremarks。
　　AsIholdpresenceofmind，orwhatiscalledcourage，tobepreciselyproportionedtofamiliaritywiththecircumstancesthatleadtoit，soIshouldsaythatIhadbeenlongsufficientlyfamiliarwithallexperimentsthatappertaintothemarvelous。I
　　hadwitnessedmanyveryextraordinaryphenomenainvariouspartsoftheworld，——phenomenathatwouldbeeithertotallydisbelievedifI
　　statedthem，orascribedtosupernaturalagencies。Now，mytheoryisthatthesupernaturalistheimpossible，andthatwhatiscalledsupernaturalisonlyasomethinginthelawsofNatureofwhichwehavebeenhithertoignorant。Therefore，ifaghostrisebeforeme，Ihavenottherighttosay，So，then，thesupernaturalispossible。butrather，So，then，theapparitionofaghostis，contrarytoreceivedopinion，withinthelawsofNature，——thatis，notsupernatural。
　　Now，inallthatIhadhithertowitnessed，andindeedinallthewonderswhichtheamateursofmysteryinouragerecordasfacts，amateriallivingagencyisalwaysrequired。OntheContinentyouwillfindstillmagicianswhoassertthattheycanraisespirits。
　　Assumeforthemomentthattheyasserttruly，stillthelivingmaterialformofthemagicianispresent。andheisthematerialagencybywhich，fromsomeconstitutionalpeculiarities，certainstrangephenomenaarerepresentedtoyournaturalsenses。
　　Accept，again，astruthful，thetalesofspiritmanifestationinAmerica，——musicalorothersounds。writingsonpaper，producedbynodiscerniblehand。articlesoffurnituremovedwithoutapparenthumanagency。ortheactualsightandtouchofhands，towhichnobodiesseemtobelong，——stilltheremustbefoundtheMEDIUM，orlivingbeing，withconstitutionalpeculiaritiescapableofobtainingthesesigns。Infine，inallsuchmarvels，supposingeventhatthereisnoimposture，theremustbeahumanbeinglikeourselvesbywhom，orthroughwhom，theeffectspresentedtohumanbeingsareproduced。Itissowiththenowfamiliarphenomenaofmesmerismorelectro-biology。themindofthepersonoperatedonisaffectedthroughamateriallivingagent。Nor，supposingittruethatamesmerizedpatientcanrespondtothewillorpassesofamesmerizerahundredmilesdistant，istheresponselessoccasionedbyamaterialbeing。itmaybethroughamaterialfluid——callitElectric，callitOdic，callitwhatyouwill——whichhasthepoweroftraversingspaceandpassingobstacles，thatthematerialeffectiscommunicatedfromonetotheother。Hence，allthatIhadhithertowitnessed，orexpectedtowitness，inthisstrangehouse，Ibelievedtobeoccasionedthroughsomeagencyormediumasmortalasmyself。andthisideanecessarilypreventedtheawewithwhichthosewhoregardassupernaturalthingsthatarenotwithintheordinaryoperationsofNature，mighthavebeenimpressedbytheadventuresofthatmemorablenight。
　　As，then，itwasmyconjecturethatallthatwaspresented，orwouldbepresentedtomysenses，mustoriginateinsomehumanbeinggiftedbyconstitutionwiththepowersotopresentthem，andhavingsomemotivesotodo，Ifeltaninterestinmytheorywhich，initsway，wasratherphilosophicalthansuperstitious。AndIcansincerelysaythatIwasinastranquilatemperforobservationasanypracticalexperimentalistcouldbeinawaitingtheeffectsofsomerare，thoughperhapsperilous，chemicalcombination。Ofcourse，themoreIkeptmyminddetachedfromfancy，themorethetemperfittedforobservationwouldbeobtained。andIthereforerivetedeyeandthoughtonthestrongdaylightsenseinthepageofmyMacaulay。
　　Inowbecameawarethatsomethinginterposedbetweenthepageandthelight，——thepagewasovershadowed。Ilookedup，andIsawwhatIshallfinditverydifficult，perhapsimpossible，todescribe。
　　ItwasaDarknessshapingitselfforthfromtheairinveryundefinedoutline。Icannotsayitwasofahumanform，andyetithadmoreresemblancetoahumanform，orrathershadow，thantoanythingelse。Asitstood，whollyapartanddistinctfromtheairandthelightaroundit，itsdimensionsseemedgigantic，thesummitnearlytouchingtheceiling。WhileIgazed，afeelingofintensecoldseizedme。Anicebergbeforemecouldnotmorehavechilledme。norcouldthecoldofaniceberghavebeenmorepurelyphysical。Ifeelconvincedthatitwasnotthecoldcausedbyfear。AsIcontinuedtogaze，Ithought——butthisIcannotsaywithprecision——thatIdistinguishedtwoeyeslookingdownonmefromtheheight。OnemomentIfanciedthatIdistinguishedthemclearly，thenexttheyseemedgone。butstilltworaysofapale-
　　bluelightfrequentlyshotthroughthedarkness，asfromtheheightonwhichIhalfbelieved，halfdoubted，thatIhadencounteredtheeyes。
　　Istrovetospeak，——myvoiceutterlyfailedme。Icouldonlythinktomyself，Isthisfear？ItisNOTfear！Istrovetorise，——invain。Ifeltasifweigheddownbyanirresistibleforce。Indeed，myimpressionwasthatofanimmenseandoverwhelmingPoweropposedtomyvolition，——thatsenseofutterinadequacytocopewithaforcebeyondman’s，whichonemayfeelPHYSICALLYinastormatsea，inaconflagration，orwhenconfrontingsometerriblewildbeast，orrather，perhaps，thesharkoftheocean，IfeltMORALLY。
　　Opposedtomywillwasanotherwill，asfarsuperiortoitsstrengthasstorm，fire，andsharkaresuperiorinmaterialforcetotheforceofman。
　　Andnow，asthisimpressiongrewonme，——nowcame，atlast，horror，horrortoadegreethatnowordscanconvey。StillIretainedpride，ifnotcourage。andinmyownmindIsaid，Thisishorror。
　　butitisnotfear。unlessIfearIcannotbeharmed。myreasonrejectsthisthing。itisanillusion，——Idonotfear。WithaviolenteffortIsucceededatlastinstretchingoutmyhandtowardtheweapononthetable。asIdidso，onthearmandshoulderI
　　receivedastrangeshock，andmyarmfelltomysidepowerless。
　　Andnow，toaddtomyhorror，thelightbeganslowlytowanefromthecandles，——theywerenot，asitwere，extinguished，buttheirflameseemedverygraduallywithdrawn。itwasthesamewiththefire，——thelightwasextractedfromthefuel。inafewminutestheroomwasinutterdarkness。Thedreadthatcameoverme，tobethusinthedarkwiththatdarkThing，whosepowerwassointenselyfelt，broughtareactionofnerve。Infact，terrorhadreachedthatclimax，thateithermysensesmusthavedesertedme，orImusthaveburstthroughthespell。Ididburstthroughit。Ifoundvoice，thoughthevoicewasashriek。IrememberthatIbrokeforthwithwordslikethese，Idonotfear，mysouldoesnotfear。andatthesametimeIfoundstrengthtorise。StillinthatprofoundgloomIrushedtooneofthewindows。toreasidethecurtain。flungopentheshutters。myfirstthoughtwas——LIGHT。AndwhenIsawthemoonhigh，clear，andcalm，Ifeltajoythatalmostcompensatedforthepreviousterror。Therewasthemoon，therewasalsothelightfromthegaslampsinthedesertedslumberousstreet。Iturnedtolookbackintotheroom。themoonpenetrateditsshadowverypalelyandpartially——butstilltherewaslight。
　　ThedarkThing，whateveritmightbe，wasgone，——exceptthatI
　　couldyetseeadimshadow，whichseemedtheshadowofthatshade，againsttheoppositewall。
　　Myeyenowrestedonthetable，andfromunderthetablewhichwaswithoutclothorcover，——anoldmahoganyroundtablethereroseahand，visibleasfarasthewrist。Itwasahand，seemingly，asmuchoffleshandbloodasmyown，butthehandofanagedperson，lean，wrinkled，smalltoo，——awoman’shand。Thathandverysoftlyclosedonthetwolettersthatlayonthetable。handandlettersbothvanished。Therethencamethesamethreeloud，measuredknocksIhadheardatthebedheadbeforethisextraordinarydramahadcommenced。
　　Asthosesoundsslowlyceased，Ifeltthewholeroomvibratesensibly。andatthefarendthererose，asfromthefloor，sparksorglobuleslikebubblesoflight，manycolored，——green，yellow，fire-red，azure。Upanddown，toandfro，hither，thitherastinyWill-o’-the-Wisps，thesparksmoved，sloworswift，eachatitsowncaprice。Achairasinthedrawing-roombelowwasnowadvancedfromthewallwithoutapparentagency，andplacedattheoppositesideofthetable。Suddenly，asforthfromthechair，theregrewashape，——awoman’sshape。Itwasdistinctasashapeoflife，——
　　ghastlyasashapeofdeath。Thefacewasthatofyouth，withastrange，mournfulbeauty。thethroatandshoulderswerebare，therestoftheforminalooserobeofcloudywhite。Itbegansleekingitslong，yellowhair，whichfelloveritsshoulders。itseyeswerenotturnedtowardme，buttothedoor。itseemedlistening，watching，waiting。Theshadowoftheshadeinthebackgroundgrewdarker。andagainIthoughtIbeheldtheeyesgleamingoutfromthesummitoftheshadow，——eyesfixeduponthatshape。
　　Asiffromthedoor，thoughitdidnotopen，theregrewoutanothershape，equallydistinct，equallyghastly，——aman’sshape，ayoungman’s。Itwasinthedressofthelastcentury，orratherinalikenessofsuchdressforboththemaleshapeandthefemale，thoughdefined，wereevidentlyunsubstantial，impalpable，——
　　simulacra，phantasms。andtherewassomethingincongruous，grotesque，yetfearful，inthecontrastbetweentheelaboratefinery，thecourtlyprecisionofthatold-fashionedgarb，withitsrufflesandlaceandbuckles，andthecorpselikeaspectandghostlikestillnessoftheflittingwearer。Justasthemaleshapeapproachedthefemale，thedarkShadowstartedfromthewall，allthreeforamomentwrappedindarkness。Whenthepalelightreturned，thetwophantomswereasifinthegraspoftheShadowthattoweredbetweenthem。andtherewasabloodstainonthebreastofthefemale。andthephantommalewasleaningonitsphantomsword，andbloodseemedtricklingfastfromtherufflesfromthelace。andthedarknessoftheintermediateShadowswallowedthemup，——theyweregone。Andagainthebubblesoflightshot，andsailed，andundulated，growingthickerandthickerandmorewildlyconfusedintheirmovements。
　　Theclosetdoortotherightofthefireplacenowopened，andfromtheaperturetherecametheformofanagedwoman。Inherhandsheheldletters，——theverylettersoverwhichIhadseenTHEHandclose。andbehindherIheardafootstep。Sheturnedroundasiftolisten，andthensheopenedthelettersandseemedtoread。andoverhershoulderIsawalividface，thefaceasofamanlongdrowned，——bloated，bleached，seaweedtangledinitsdrippinghair。
　　andatherfeetlayaformasofacorpse。andbesidethecorpsetherecoweredachild，amiserable，squalidchild，withfamineinitscheeksandfearinitseyes。AndasIlookedintheoldwoman’sface，thewrinklesandlinesvanished，anditbecameafaceofyouth，——hard-eyed，stony，butstillyouth。andtheShadowdartedforth，anddarkenedoverthesephantomsasithaddarkenedoverthelast。
　　NothingnowwasleftbuttheShadow，andonthatmyeyeswereintentlyfixed，tillagaineyesgrewoutoftheShadow，——malignant，serpenteyes。Andthebubblesoflightagainroseandfell，andintheirdisordered，irregular，turbulentmaze，mingledwiththewanmoonlight。Andnowfromtheseglobulesthemselves，asfromtheshellofanegg，monstrousthingsburstout。theairgrewfilledwiththem：larvaesobloodlessandsohideousthatIcaninnowaydescribethemexcepttoremindthereaderoftheswarminglifewhichthesolarmicroscopebringsbeforehiseyesinadropofwater，——thingstransparent，supple，agile，chasingeachother，devouringeachother。formslikenaughteverbeheldbythenakedeye。Astheshapeswerewithoutsymmetry，sotheirmovementswerewithoutorder。Intheirveryvagranciestherewasnosport。theycameroundmeandround，thickerandfasterandswifter，swarmingovermyhead，crawlingovermyrightarm，whichwasoutstretchedininvoluntarycommandagainstallevilbeings。SometimesIfeltmyselftouched，butnotbythem。invisiblehandstouchedme。OnceIfelttheclutchasofcold，softfingersatmythroat。IwasstillequallyconsciousthatifIgavewaytofearIshouldbeinbodilyperil。andIconcenteredallmyfacultiesinthesinglefocusofresistingstubbornwill。AndIturnedmysightfromtheShadow。aboveall，fromthosestrangeserpenteyes，——eyesthathadnowbecomedistinctlyvisible。Forthere，thoughinnaughtelsearoundme，IwasawarethattherewasaWILL，andwillofintense，creative，workingevil，whichmightcrushdownmyown。
　　Thepaleatmosphereintheroombegannowtoreddenasifintheairofsomenearconflagration。Thelarvaegrewluridasthingsthatliveinfire。Againtheroomvibrated。againwereheardthethreemeasuredknocks。andagainallthingswereswallowedupinthedarknessofthedarkShadow，asifoutofthatdarknessallhadcome，intothatdarknessallreturned。
　　Asthegloomreceded，theShadowwaswhollygone。Slowly，asithadbeenwithdrawn，theflamegrewagainintothecandlesonthetable，againintothefuelinthegrate。Thewholeroomcameoncemorecalmly，healthfullyintosight。
　　Thetwodoorswerestillclosed，thedoorcommunicatingwiththeservant’sroomstilllocked。Inthecornerofthewall，intowhichhehadsoconvulsivelynichedhimself，laythedog。Icalledtohim，——nomovement。Iapproached，——theanimalwasdead：hiseyesprotruded。histongueoutofhismouth。thefrothgatheredroundhisjaws。Itookhiminmyarms。Ibroughthimtothefire。I
　　feltacutegriefforthelossofmypoorfavorite，——acuteself-
　　reproach。Iaccusedmyselfofhisdeath。Iimaginedhehaddiedoffright。Butwhatwasmysurpriseonfindingthathisneckwasactuallybroken。Hadthisbeendoneinthedark？Mustitnothavebeenbyahandhumanasmine。musttherenothavebeenahumanagencyallthewhileinthatroom？Goodcausetosuspectit。I
　　cannottell。Icannotdomorethanstatethefactfairly。thereadermaydrawhisowninference。
　　Anothersurprisingcircumstance，——mywatchwasrestoredtothetablefromwhichithadbeensomysteriouslywithdrawn。butithadstoppedattheverymomentitwassowithdrawn，nor，despitealltheskillofthewatchmaker，hasitevergonesince，——thatis，itwillgoinastrange，erraticwayforafewhours，andthencometoadeadstop。itisworthless。
　　Nothingmorechancedfortherestofthenight。Nor，indeed，hadI
　　longtowaitbeforethedawnbroke。NottillitwasbroaddaylightdidIquitthehauntedhouse。BeforeIdidso，Irevisitedthelittleblindroominwhichmyservantandmyselfhadbeenforatimeimprisoned。Ihadastrongimpression——forwhichIcouldnotaccount——thatfromthatroomhadoriginatedthemechanismofthephenomena，ifImayusetheterm，whichhadbeenexperiencedinmychamber。AndthoughIentereditnowintheclearday，withthesunpeeringthroughthefilmywindow，Istillfelt，asIstoodonitsfloors，thecreepofthehorrorwhichIhadfirstthereexperiencedthenightbefore，andwhichhadbeensoaggravatedbywhathadpassedinmyownchamber。Icouldnot，indeed，beartostaymorethanhalfaminutewithinthosewalls。Idescendedthestairs，andagainIheardthefootfallbeforeme。andwhenIopenedthestreetdoor，IthoughtIcoulddistinguishaverylowlaugh。I
　　gainedmyownhome，expectingtofindmyrunawayservantthere。buthehadnotpresentedhimself，nordidIhearmoreofhimforthreedays，whenIreceivedaletterfromhim，datedfromLiverpooltothiseffect：——
　　HONOREDSIR，——Ihumblyentreatyourpardon，thoughIcanscarcelyhopethatyouwillthinkthatIdeserveit，unless——whichHeavenforbid！——yousawwhatIdid。IfeelthatitwillbeyearsbeforeI
　　canrecovermyself。andastobeingfitforservice，itisoutofthequestion。Iamthereforegoingtomybrother-in-lawatMelbourne。Theshipsailsto-morrow。Perhapsthelongvoyagemaysetmeup。Idonothingnowbutstartandtremble，andfancyitisbehindme。Ihumblybegyou，honoredsir，toordermyclothes，andwhateverwagesareduetome，tobesenttomymother’s，atWalworth，——Johnknowsheraddress。
　　Theletterendedwithadditionalapologies，somewhatincoherent，andexplanatorydetailsastoeffectsthathadbeenunderthewriter’scharge。
　　ThisflightmayperhapswarrantasuspicionthatthemanwishedtogotoAustralia，andhadbeensomehoworotherfraudulentlymixedupwiththeeventsofthenight。Isaynothinginrefutationofthatconjecture。rather，Isuggestitasonethatwouldseemtomanypersonsthemostprobablesolutionofimprobableoccurrences。
　　Mybeliefinmyowntheoryremainedunshaken。Ireturnedintheeveningtothehouse，tobringawayinahackcabthethingsIhadleftthere，withmypoordog’sbody。InthistaskIwasnotdisturbed，nordidanyincidentworthnotebefallme，exceptthatstill，onascendinganddescendingthestairs，Iheardthesamefootfallinadvance。Onleavingthehouse，IwenttoMr。J——’s。
　　Hewasathome。Ireturnedhimthekeys，toldhimthatmycuriositywassufficientlygratified，andwasabouttorelatequicklywhathadpassed，whenhestoppedme，andsaid，thoughwithmuchpoliteness，thathehadnolongeranyinterestinamysterywhichnonehadeversolved。
　　IdeterminedatleasttotellhimofthetwolettersIhadread，aswellasoftheextraordinarymannerinwhichtheyhaddisappeared。
　　andItheninquiredifhethoughttheyhadbeenaddressedtothewomanwhohaddiedinthehouse，andiftherewereanythinginherearlyhistorywhichcouldpossiblyconfirmthedarksuspicionstowhichthelettersgaverise。Mr。J——seemedstartled，and，aftermusingafewmoments，answered，Iambutlittleacquaintedwiththewoman’searlierhistory，exceptasIbeforetoldyou，thatherfamilywereknowntomine。Butyourevivesomevaguereminiscencestoherprejudice。Iwillmakeinquiries，andinformyouoftheirresult。Still，evenifwecouldadmitthepopularsuperstitionthatapersonwhohadbeeneithertheperpetratororthevictimofdarkcrimesinlifecouldrevisit，asarestlessspirit，thesceneinwhichthosecrimeshadbeencommitted，Ishouldobservethatthehousewasinfestedbystrangesightsandsoundsbeforetheoldwomandied——yousmile——whatwouldyousay？
　　Iwouldsaythis，thatIamconvinced，ifwecouldgettothebottomofthesemysteries，weshouldfindalivinghumanagency。
　　What！youbelieveitisallanimposture？Forwhatobject？
　　Notanimpostureintheordinarysenseoftheword。IfsuddenlyI
　　weretosinkintoadeepsleep，fromwhichyoucouldnotawakeme，butinthatsleepcouldanswerquestionswithanaccuracywhichI
　　couldnotpretendtowhenawake，——tellyouwhatmoneyyouhadinyourpocket，nay，describeyourverythoughts，——itisnotnecessarilyanimposture，anymorethanitisnecessarilysupernatural。Ishouldbe，unconsciouslytomyself，underamesmericinfluence，conveyedtomefromadistancebyahumanbeingwhohadacquiredpowerovermebypreviousrapport。
　　Butifamesmerizercouldsoaffectanotherlivingbeing，canyousupposethatamesmerizercouldalsoaffectinanimateobjects：movechairs，——openandshutdoors？
　　Orimpressoursenseswiththebeliefinsucheffects，——weneverhavingbeenenrapportwiththepersonactingonus？No。Whatiscommonlycalledmesmerismcouldnotdothis。buttheremaybeapowerakintomesmerism，andsuperiortoit，——thepowerthatintheolddayswascalledMagic。Thatsuchapowermayextendtoallinanimateobjectsofmatter，Idonotsay。butifso，itwouldnotbeagainstNature，——itwouldbeonlyararepowerinNaturewhichmightbegiventoconstitutionswithcertainpeculiarities，andcultivatedbypracticetoanextraordinarydegree。Thatsuchapowermightextendoverthedead，——thatis，overcertainthoughtsandmemoriesthatthedeadmaystillretain，——andcompel，notthatwhichoughtproperlytobecalledtheSOUL，andwhichisfarbeyondhumanreach，butratheraphantomofwhathasbeenmostearth-
　　stainedonearth，tomakeitselfapparenttooursenses，isaveryancientthoughobsoletetheoryuponwhichIwillhazardnoopinion。
　　ButIdonotconceivethepowerwouldbesupernatural。LetmeillustratewhatImeanfromanexperimentwhichParacelsusdescribesasnotdifficult，andwhichtheauthorofthe’CuriositiesofLiterature’citesascredible：Aflowerperishes。
　　youburnit。Whateverweretheelementsofthatflowerwhileitlivedaregone，dispersed，youknownotwhither。youcanneverdiscovernorre-collectthem。Butyoucan，bychemistry，outoftheburneddustofthatflower，raiseaspectrumoftheflower，justasitseemedinlife。Itmaybethesamewiththehumanbeing。Thesoulhasasmuchescapedyouastheessenceorelementsoftheflower。Stillyoumaymakeaspectrumofit。Andthisphantom，thoughinthepopularsuperstitionitisheldtobethesoulofthedeparted，mustnotbeconfoundedwiththetruesoul。itisbuttheeidolonofthedeadform。Hence，likethebest-attestedstoriesofghostsorspirits，thethingthatmoststrikesusistheabsenceofwhatweholdtobesoul，——thatis，ofsuperioremancipatedintelligence。Theseapparitionscomeforlittleornoobject，——theyseldomspeakwhentheydocome。iftheyspeak，theyutternoideasabovethoseofanordinarypersononearth。
　　Americanspiritseershavepublishedvolumesofcommunications，inproseandverse，whichtheyasserttobegiveninthenamesofthemostillustriousdead：Shakespeare，Bacon，——Heavenknowswhom。
　　Thosecommunications，takingthebest，arecertainlynotawhitofhigherorderthanwouldbecommunicationsfromlivingpersonsoffairtalentandeducation。theyarewondrouslyinferiortowhatBacon，Shakespeare，andPlatosaidandwrotewhenonearth。Nor，whatismorenoticeable，dotheyevercontainanideathatwasnotontheearthbefore。Wonderful，therefore，assuchphenomenamaybegrantingthemtobetruthful，Iseemuchthatphilosophymayquestion，nothingthatitisincumbentonphilosophytodeny，——
　　namely，nothingsupernatural。Theyarebutideasconveyedsomehoworotherwehavenotyetdiscoveredthemeansfromonemortalbraintoanother。Whether，insodoing，tableswalkoftheirownaccord，orfiendlikeshapesappearinamagiccircle，orbodilesshandsriseandremovematerialobjects，oraThingofDarkness，suchaspresenteditselftome，freezeourblood，——stillamI
　　persuadedthatthesearebutagenciesconveyed，asbyelectricwires，tomyownbrainfromthebrainofanother。Insomeconstitutionsthereisanaturalchemistry，andthoseconstitutionsmayproducechemicwonders，——inothersanaturalfluid，callitelectricity，andthesemayproduceelectricwonders。ButthewondersdifferfromNormalScienceinthis，——theyarealikeobjectless，purposeless，puerile，frivolous。Theyleadontonograndresults。andthereforetheworlddoesnotheed，andtruesageshavenotcultivatedthem。ButsureIam，thatofallIsaworheard，aman，humanasmyself，wastheremoteoriginator。andI
　　believeunconsciouslytohimselfastotheexacteffectsproduced，forthisreason：notwopersons，yousay，haveevertoldyouthattheyexperiencedexactlythesamething。Well，observe，notwopersonseverexperienceexactlythesamedream。Ifthiswereanordinaryimposture，themachinerywouldbearrangedforresultsthatwouldbutlittlevary。ifitwereasupernaturalagencypermittedbytheAlmighty，itwouldsurelybeforsomedefiniteend。Thesephenomenabelongtoneitherclass。mypersuasionis，thattheyoriginateinsomebrainnowfardistant。thatthatbrainhadnodistinctvolitioninanythingthatoccurred。thatwhatdoesoccurreflectsbutitsdevious，motley，ever-shifting，half-formedthoughts。inshort，thatithasbeenbutthedreamsofsuchabrainputintoactionandinvestedwithasemisubstance。Thatthisbrainisofimmensepower，thatitcansetmatterintomovement，thatitismalignantanddestructive，Ibelieve。somematerialforcemusthavekilledmydog。thesameforcemight，foraughtIknow，havesufficedtokillmyself，hadIbeenassubjugatedbyterrorasthedog，——hadmyintellectormyspiritgivenmenocountervailingresistanceinmywill。
　　Itkilledyourdog，——thatisfearful！Indeeditisstrangethatnoanimalcanbeinducedtostayinthathouse。notevenacat。
　　Ratsandmiceareneverfoundinit。
　　Theinstinctsofthebrutecreationdetectinfluencesdeadlytotheirexistence。Man’sreasonhasasenselesssubtle，becauseithasaresistingpowermoresupreme。Butenough。doyoucomprehendmytheory？
　　Yes，thoughimperfectly，——andIacceptanycrotchetpardontheword，howeverodd，ratherthanembraceatoncethenotionofghostsandhobgoblinsweimbibedinournurseries。Still，tomyunfortunatehouse，theevilisthesame。WhatonearthcanIdowiththehouse？
　　IwilltellyouwhatIwoulddo。Iamconvincedfrommyowninternalfeelingsthatthesmall，unfurnishedroomatrightanglestothedoorofthebedroomwhichIoccupied，formsastartingpointorreceptaclefortheinfluenceswhichhauntthehouse。andI
　　stronglyadviseyoutohavethewallsopened，thefloorremoved，——
　　nay，thewholeroompulleddown。Iobservethatitisdetachedfromthebodyofthehouse，builtoverthesmallbackyard，andcouldberemovedwithoutinjurytotherestofthebuilding。
　　Andyouthink，ifIdidthat——
　　Youwouldcutoffthetelegraphwires。Tryit。IamsopersuadedthatIamright，thatIwillpayhalftheexpenseifyouwillallowmetodirecttheoperations。
　　Nay，Iamwellabletoaffordthecost。fortherestallowmetowritetoyou。
　　AbouttendaysafterIreceivedaletterfromMr。J——tellingmethathehadvisitedthehousesinceIhadseenhim。thathehadfoundthetwolettersIhaddescribed，replacedinthedrawerfromwhichIhadtakenthem。thathehadreadthemwithmisgivingslikemyown。thathehadinstitutedacautiousinquiryaboutthewomantowhomIrightlyconjecturedtheyhadbeenwritten。Itseemedthatthirty-sixyearsagoayearbeforethedateoftheletters
　　shehadmarried，againstthewishofherrelations，anAmericanofverysuspicionscharacter。infact，hewasgenerallybelievedtohavebeenapirate。Sheherselfwasthedaughterofveryrespectabletradespeople，andhadservedinthecapacityofanurserygovernessbeforehermarriage。Shehadabrother，awidower，whowasconsideredwealthy，andwhohadonechildofaboutsixyearsold。AmonthafterthemarriagethebodyofthisbrotherwasfoundintheThames，nearLondonBridge。thereseemedsomemarksofviolenceabouthisthroat，buttheywerenotdeemedsufficienttowarranttheinquestinanyotherverdictthatthatoffounddrowned。
　　TheAmericanandhiswifetookchargeofthelittleboy，thedeceasedbrotherhavingbyhiswilllefthissistertheguardianofhisonlychild，——andineventofthechild’sdeaththesisterinherited。Thechilddiedaboutsixmonthsafterwards，——itwassupposedtohavebeenneglectedandill-treated。Theneighborsdeposedtohavehearditshriekatnight。Thesurgeonwhohadexamineditafterdeathsaidthatitwasemaciatedasiffromwantofnourishment，andthebodywascoveredwithlividbruises。Itseemedthatonewinternightthechildhadsoughttoescape。creptoutintothebackyard。triedtoscalethewall。fallenbackexhausted。andbeenfoundatmorningonthestonesinadyingstate。Butthoughtherewassomeevidenceofcruelty，therewasnoneofmurder。andtheauntandherhusbandhadsoughttopalliatecrueltybyallegingtheexceedingstubbornnessandperversityofthechild，whowasdeclaredtobehalf-witted。Bethatasitmay，attheorphan’sdeaththeauntinheritedherbrother’sfortune。
　　Beforethefirstweddedyearwasout，theAmericanquittedEnglandabruptly，andneverreturnedtoit。Heobtainedacruisingvessel，whichwaslostintheAtlantictwoyearsafterwards。Thewidowwasleftinaffluence，butreversesofvariouskindshadbefallenher：
　　abankbroke。aninvestmentfailed。shewentintoasmallbusinessandbecameinsolvent。thensheenteredintoservice，sinkinglowerandlower，fromhousekeeperdowntomaid-of-all-work，——neverlongretainingaplace，thoughnothingdecidedagainsthercharacterwaseveralleged。Shewasconsideredsober，honest，andpeculiarlyquietinherways。stillnothingprosperedwithher。Andsoshehaddroppedintotheworkhouse，fromwhichMr。J——hadtakenher，tobeplacedinchargeoftheveryhousewhichshehadrentedasmistressinthefirstyearofherweddedlife。
　　Mr。J——addedthathehadpassedanhouraloneintheunfurnishedroomwhichIhadurgedhimtodestroy，andthathisimpressionsofdreadwhilethereweresogreat，thoughhehadneitherheardnorseenanything，thathewaseagertohavethewallsbaredandthefloorsremovedasIhadsuggested。Hehadengagedpersonsforthework，andwouldcommenceanydayIwouldname。
　　Thedaywasaccordinglyfixed。Irepairedtothehauntedhouse，——
　　wewentintotheblind，drearyroom，tookuptheskirting，andthenthefloors。Undertherafters，coveredwithrubbish，wasfoundatrapdoor，quitelargeenoughtoadmitaman。Itwascloselynaileddown，withclampsandrivetsofiron。Onremovingthesewedescendedintoaroombelow，theexistenceofwhichhadneverbeensuspected。Inthisroomtherehadbeenawindowandaflue，buttheyhadbeenbrickedover，evidentlyformanyyears。Bythehelpofcandlesweexaminedthisplace。itstillretainedsomemolderingfurniture，——threechairs，anoaksettle，atable，——allofthefashionofabouteightyyearsago。Therewasachestofdrawersagainstthewall，inwhichwefound，halfrottedaway，old-
　　fashionedarticlesofaman’sdress，suchasmighthavebeenworneightyorahundredyearsagobyagentlemanofsomerank。costlysteelbucklesandbuttons，likethoseyetwornincourtdresses，ahandsomecourtsword。inawaistcoatwhichhadoncebeenrichwithgoldlace，butwhichwasnowblackenedandfoulwithdamp，wefoundfiveguineas，afewsilvercoins，andanivoryticket，probablyforsomeplaceofentertainmentlongsincepassedaway。Butourmaindiscoverywasinakindofironsafefixedtothewall，thelockofwhichitcostusmuchtroubletogetpicked。
　　Inthissafewerethreeshelvesandtwosmalldrawers。Rangedontheshelveswereseveralsmallbottlesofcrystal，hermeticallystopped。Theycontainedcolorless，volatileessences，ofthenatureofwhichIshallonlysaythattheywerenotpoisons，——
　　phosphorandammoniaenteredintosomeofthem。Therewerealsosomeverycuriousglasstubes，andasmallpointedrodofiron，withalargelumpofrockcrystal，andanotherofamber，——alsoaloadstoneofgreatpower。
　　Inoneofthedrawerswefoundaminiatureportraitsetingold，andretainingthefreshnessofitscolorsmostremarkably，consideringthelengthoftimeithadprobablybeenthere。Theportraitwasthatofamanwhomightbesomewhatadvancedinmiddlelife，perhapsforty-sevenorforty-eight。Itwasaremarkableface，——amostimpressiveface。Ifyoucouldfancysomemightyserpenttransformedintoman，preservinginthehumanlineamentstheoldserpenttype，youwouldhaveabetterideaofthatcountenancethanlongdescriptionscanconvey：thewidthandflatnessoffrontal。thetaperingeleganceofcontourdisguisingthestrengthofthedeadlyjaw。thelong，large，terribleeye，glitteringandgreenastheemerald，——andwithalacertainruthlesscalm，asiffromtheconsciousnessofanimmensepower。
　　MechanicallyIturnedroundtheminiaturetoexaminethebackofit，andonthebackwasengravedapentacle。inthemiddleofthepentaclealadder，andthethirdstepoftheladderwasformedbythedate1765。Examiningstillmoreminutely，Idetectedaspring。
　　this，onbeingpressed，openedthebackoftheminiatureasalid。
　　Within-sidethelidwereengraved，Mariannatothee。Befaithfulinlifeandindeathto。HerefollowsanamethatIwillnotmention，butitwasnotunfamiliartome。IhadhearditspokenofbyoldmeninmychildhoodasthenamebornebyadazzlingcharlatanwhohadmadeagreatsensationinLondonforayearorso，andhadfledthecountryonthechargeofadoublemurderwithinhisownhouse，——thatofhismistressandhisrival。IsaidnothingofthistoMr。J——，towhomreluctantlyIresignedtheminiature。
　　Wehadfoundnodifficultyinopeningthefirstdrawerwithintheironsafe。wefoundgreatdifficultyinopeningthesecond：itwasnotlocked，butitresistedallefforts，tillweinsertedinthechinkstheedgeofachisel。Whenwehadthusdrawnitforth，wefoundaverysingularapparatusinthenicestorder。Uponasmall，thinbook，orrathertablet，wasplacedasaucerofcrystal。thissaucerwasfilledwithaclearliquid，——onthatliquidfloatedakindofcompass，withaneedleshiftingrapidlyround。butinsteadoftheusualpointsofacompassweresevenstrangecharacters，notveryunlikethoseusedbyastrologerstodenotetheplanets。A
　　peculiarbutnotstrongnordispleasingodorcamefromthisdrawer，whichwaslinedwithawoodthatweafterwardsdiscoveredtobehazel。Whateverthecauseofthisodor，itproducedamaterialeffectonthenerves。Weallfeltit，eventhetwoworkmenwhowereintheroom，——acreeping，tinglingsensationfromthetipsofthefingerstotherootsofthehair。Impatienttoexaminethetablet，Iremovedthesaucer。AsIdidsotheneedleofthecompasswentroundandroundwithexceedingswiftness，andIfeltashockthatranthroughmywholeframe，sothatIdroppedthesauceronthefloor。Theliquidwasspilled。thesaucerwasbroken。thecompassrolledtotheendoftheroom，andatthatinstantthewallsshooktoandfro，asifagianthadswayedandrockedthem。
　　Thetwoworkmenweresofrightenedthattheyranuptheladderbywhichwehaddescendedfromthetrapdoor。butseeingthatnothingmorehappened，theywereeasilyinducedtoreturn。
　　MeanwhileIhadopenedthetablet：itwasboundinplainredleather，withasilverclasp。itcontainedbutonesheetofthickvellum，andonthatsheetwereinscribed，withinadoublepentacle，wordsinoldmonkishLatin，whichareliterallytobetranslatedthus：Onallthatitcanreachwithinthesewalls，sentientorinanimate，livingordead，asmovestheneedle，soworksmywill！
　　Accursedbethehouse，andrestlessbethedwellerstherein。
　　Wefoundnomore。Mr。J——burnedthetabletanditsanathema。
　　Herazedtothefoundationsthepartofthebuildingcontainingthesecretroomwiththechamberoverit。Hehadthenthecouragetoinhabitthehousehimselfforamonth，andaquieter，better-
　　conditionedhousecouldnotbefoundinallLondon。Subsequentlyheletittoadvantage，andhistenanthasmadenocomplaints。
　　Adrowningmanclutchingatastraw——suchisDr。Fenwick，heroofBulwer-Lytton’sStrangeStorywhenhedeterminestolendhimselftoallegedmagicinthehopeofsavinghissufferingwifefromthephysicaldangerswhichhavesucceededhermentaldisease。ThepropositionhasbeenmadetohimbyMargrave，awandererinmanycountries，whohasfollowedtheFenwicksfromEnglandtoAustralia。
　　Margravedeclaresthatheneedsanaccomplicetosecureanelixiroflifewhichhisownfailingstrengthdemands。HismysteriousmesmericorhypnoticinfluenceoverMrs。Fenwickhadinformerdaysbeenmarked。andonthebasisofthisundeniablefact，hehasendeavoredtoshowthathisownwelfareandMrs。Fenwick’sare，insomeoccultfashion，knittogether，andthatonlybyaidinghiminsomeextraordinaryexperimentcanthephysiciansnatchhisbelovedLilianfromherimpendingdoom。
　　Asthefirstchapteropens，Fenwickislearninghiswife’sconditionfromhisfriend，Dr。Faber。
　　Bulwer-LyttonTheIncantationI
　　Ibelievethatforatleasttwelvehourstherewillbenochangeinherstate。Ibelievealsothatifsherecoverfromit，calmandrefreshed，asfromasleep，thedangerofdeathwillhavepassedaway。
　　Andfortwelvehoursmypresencewouldbehurtful？
　　Rathersayfatal，ifmydiagnosisberight。
　　Iwrungmyfriend’shand，andweparted。
　　Oh，tolosehernow。nowthatherloveandherreasonhadbothreturned，eachmorevividthanbefore！Futile，indeed，mightbeMargrave’sboastedsecret。butatleastinthatsecretwashope。