When I promised to write to you during the holidays, I little thought
I should have so much to put in my letter. I actually fancied it would
be difficult to find enough to fill one sheet; and now I do really
believe two will not be sufficient for all I have to say: but to
commence my story, which you must know, is a real Ghost Story! But to
begin:--
While we were at breakfast the other morning, papa showed mamma an
advertisement in the "Times" newspaper, remarking, at the same time,
that it appeared just the thing he had long wanted; and that he would
go to the Solicitor's and make enquiries, and if it seemed still
eligible, would go immediately and see about it. Upon asking what it
was;
I was told it was an estate in South Wales to be disposed of; on which
was a large commodious dwelling house, which at a trifling expence,
might be converted into a family mansion. It commanded, the paper
said, a picturesque view, with plenty of shooting and fishing.--It
further stated, that on one part of the grounds, were the ruins of a
castle, and a great deal more, in its favor, but you know the glowing
descriptions with which these great London auctioneers always set off
any property they have to dispose of.
Papa had every reason to be satisfied, that it was what he desired; so
it was settled he should start by railway that very evening. And you
may judge how delighted I was when he asked if I should like to
accompany him. You may be sure I did not refuse; so we got ready, and
started by the eight o'clock train.
We travelled all night and arrived at our destination about four next
day. Papa thought I should sleep during the night, but I found it
impossible, for a gentleman, whom we met in the cars, knew the place,
and said so much in favour of it, that I could think of nothing else,
but he admitted there was a drawback, and that a great prejudice
existed against it, which caused no little difficulty in the disposal
of. It was reported to be haunted, and one or two people, who had
bought it, had actually paid money to get off the bargain. Of course,
hearing this, my mind dwelt much on it, though I said nothing, lest I
might be suspected of being afraid. Now, you know, it is not a little,
frightens me at school, but I was greatly puzzled at all I heard, and
determined I would rally my courage. After dinner, we strolled out to
take a look at the proposed purchase. Papa was very much pleased with
all he saw. House, grounds, and prospect were, he said, all he could
wish, and not even the report of a ghost, did he consider, any
disadvantage, but quite the contrary, as he certainly would never else
be able to buy it for double the sum they now asked for it.
By the time we got back to the inn, Mrs. Davis, our landlady, had
learnt the purport of our visit, and we, consequently, found her in
great consternation. We had hardly entered, than she exclaimed:--
"Why surely, Sir, you are not going to buy Castle Hill? Why it is
haunted, as sure as my name is Peggy Davis!"
"Well, my dear madam," said Papa, "haunted or not, such is my present
intention."
"Why, sir, nobody can live there. Don't you know there's a ghost seen
there every night."
"Oh," replied papa, "we shall soon, I think, send the ghost off
packing."
"Send a ghost off packing! really, sir, you must pardon me, but you
are a strange gentleman. Dear! dear! why do you know that four or five
have tried to live there and couldn't, for the ghost wouldn't let 'em.
You may laugh, but it's a real truth, that it drove every mother's son
away; yes not one of them could stay."
"Well, my good Mrs. Davis, we shall soon see whether I can or not; at
any rate I shall try."
"Well you certainly are a stout-hearted gentleman, and you must please
remember, whatever comes of it, I warned you. Why, there was James
Reece, a bold reckless fellow and a very wicked one into the bargain,
who feared nothing nor nobody, agreed, for five pounds to stay the
night, and was never heard of any more, and some go so far as to say,
his ghost has been seen alongside the others once or twice."
"The others," repeated papa, "why you don't mean to say there is more
than one?"
"Yes, sure sir, two or three; but 'tis no use telling you, for I
really think you are unbelieving as a Jew," and away trotted the old
dame, talking to herself as fast as she chatted to papa.
The next morning, after another ineffectual effort from Mrs. Davis, to
persuade him to give it up, papa went and concluded, what appeared to
him, an excellent bargain, with the lawyer, who was too anxious to
serve his employer, not to try and make light of the reports, and not
only this, but to fix papa so, that he could not possibly retract.
He came to the Inn and dined with us. Poor Mrs. Davis appeared rather
in awe of him; as she never spoke a word, but as she came in and out
with different things, she gave papa some very significant looks; but
always behind Mr. Crawford's back. No sooner had that gentleman left
us, than papa told me, he had made up his mind to take possession of
his new purchase, by passing the night in the haunted house.
Charles you are my most intimate friend; and therefore, I may open my
heart to you, and tell you honestly, (but mind, not a word to the other
boys, when we get back to school) that my heart began to fail me; I
know it ought not, for I had been taught better things, and should not
have suffered myself to have been influenced, by an ignorant old
woman.
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?"
"Well, my friend, we'll try the question, however, very soon," said my
father.
I must own, Charles, I again began to feel a little queer, and I think
papa noticed it, for he told me to please myself as to going with him
or staying at the inn. I was nervous, though I felt sure nothing could
really harm me, and then, I recollected, I should always repent, if my
courage failed me, so I said boldly out,
"I shall certainly go with you, papa."
"Very well, my son, but even now, if you had rather stay behind, I do
promise not to reflect on you afterwards, therefore, act just as your
feelings prompt you. I am, myself, so fully persuaded that not
anything supernatural can or will harm us, that I am determined to
find out what can have led to such extraordinary reports."
"But papa, do you not think ghosts are sometimes to be seen?"
"Frederic," said he, "I will not pretend to say what a guilty
conscience or over-heated imagination may have conjured up and
fancied, but as I have neither, I do not expect to see anything
supernatural; but, as I said before, having heard so much about the
mysteries of this place, I think, that even had I not made the
purchase, I should like to find them out."
"But if you see the ghost, papa, will you then believe in such
things?"
"Wait till, to-morrow, Fred; these are silly suppositions for a
religious well educated boy to make, from whom far better things might
be expected. Now, only reflect a moment, and then ask yourself what
good can these appearances do."
I really now began to be quite ashamed of myself, and thought I was
not only foolish, but wicked, in giving credence to the superstitious
nonsense I had heard.
Mrs. Davis now coming in with some things papa had ordered to take
with him; again ventured to say she hoped he would not repent going to
Castle Hill, adding she would pay every attention to the young
gentleman, meaning myself, in his absence.
"If I am not mistaken, he would rather accompany me Mrs. Davis, he has
been early taught to fear nothing but acting wickedly; and I feel very
sure be will not shrink from passing the night where I do; however he
can please himself."
Mrs. Davis actually looked aghast! and though I again expressed my
readiness and determination to go, I own I was a _little, a very
little_ afraid.
"Well, it must be as you please, I see you are a gentleman not very
soon turned, when you make up your mind to do a thing."
"What time may we expect, this said ghost to visit us. When does it
usually appear?"
"Why, Sir, generally they say from twelve till two; well you may
smile," said she seeing papa unable to control his features, "but its
not once I have warned you, nor twice either."
"You have done so" said papa "and I feel certainly much obliged by
your kind intentions. I always heard the Welsh were superstitious; but
could not have believed they carried it to such an extent as you do in
this neighbourhood."
"It may be so; but you are so very unbelieving. May be you don't
believe in corpse candles."
"Oh yes, when they're lighted I do."
"And ain't they always lighted."
"What do you mean," said papa, "are they not the lights you burn
during the night, while a dead body lies unburied."
"Bless your innocent heart! No. The corpse candies, are seen burning
and moving of themselves, afore people die; coming down the roads from
the houses they live in as a warning."
"A warning for what my dear Mrs. Davis? what earthly purpose can they
answer? have we not warning enough in the daily events of our lives to
impress us with the instability of life, and yet how rarely does death
find us prepared."
"Well, well; you may be as unbelieving as you like, and talk as you
will: I shall always believe when I see a corpse candle, there'll be a
death but just wait till you pass one night in Castle Hill; may be
you'll tell a different story then!"
"The long and the short of the matter, Mrs. Davis is this, I liked the
property, and have bought it; and am determined to reside in it if
God, spares my life. As to the ghost or ghosts, I am well persuaded
that, although some natural causes may render the house and premises
untenable; supernatural ones I am sure have nothing to do with it."
Time passed on and the clock struck eight; the hour fixed on, to leave
the inn, for Castle Hill: when papa brought a large trunk and basket,
which he had tried to fix on Davy's shoulders; but strong as he was,
he was unable to carry them both, he therefore got a wheel barrow, for
the trunk; while papa and I carried the basket between us, and off we
started. A great concourse of people were at the door; many of whom
accompanied us to the foot of the hill, and there left us.
We went in and took up our quarters in the room, in which was the
bedstead and which was considered to be the most constant rendezvous
of the ghost. Davy lighted a good fire and found a table and three
chairs one of which however proved rickety, so Davy had to seat
himself on the trunk. To our surprise we found the bedstead not in the
same place in which we saw it in the morning. This rather, at least so
I thought, astonished papa; however he made no comment on the
circumstance.
Papa had taken care to bring a good supper; He also brought a large
pair of pistols, and we had a blunderbuss, the latter, the property of
our friend Davy. These with a sword he arranged to his own
satisfaction under the pillow, and in about an hour, we sat down to a
good and substantial supper. Davy offered to replace what was left in
the basket but papa jokingly told him to leave it for the ghost. We
now sat for nearly an hour and a half, and except some occasional out
burst of merriment, as Davy told us some droll things, about the
ghost, which were current in the village, we were as still as we well
could be.
At last I got very sleepy, as well I might, for it was nearly twelve
o'clock. Papa made me lie down and said he thought he would do so
himself; not thinking he said, it was necessary to shew so much
courtesy to the ghost, as wait for it. We did not undress. Davy fixed
himself before the, fire and soon gave proof, that he was asleep, by
snoring most loudly.
Mind my dear Charles, in giving you this account, that papa told me
about it afterwards; for I had fallen asleep too.
Till five minutes to twelve all was quiet as the grave, and then
commenced the slamming of the doors and knockings, and thumpings, as
if done with the instrument the paviours use to beat down the stones
they pave with. This continued some minutes, and then the door
gradually opened, and a female, tall and thin, entered, dressed in an
old fashioned yellow brocade, with a sweeping train. Over her head was
thrown an immense gauze veil; her features were sharp and she was very
pale. She paused as she entered, and advancing half way from the door
to the bed she again made a full stop, upon which papa rose up and sat
on the bed, when she threw out her arms, exclaiming:
"Impious and daring mortal; why presumest thou to intrude here, where
none like thee are permitted to come? Of all those who have attempted
it. None have ever been left to tell the tale!"
"Indeed!" said my father advancing towards her. "I trust you will make
me an exception, however."
"Hold!" said she "nor dare come nigh to one, whose nature is so
different to thine own."
"Aye!" said my father "who then and what art thou?"
"Not flesh and blood as thou art; again I ask, rash mortal, why are
_thou_ here?"
"I remained this night, madam, in the hopes of meeting you, that I
might inform you that having purchased this property, I purpose
residing on it, at least six months of the year, consequently, I must
request you and your friends, supernatural or human, to quit the place
altogether."
"Many before," said she, "have tried, but vainly, to retain possession
and to attempt it would be fatal."
"Enough," said my father drawing a pistol from a belt under his coat,
"if you are really of a spiritual nature, my weapon will be harmless,
if you are not, the consequences be upon your own head." As he spoke
he pointed the pistol at her heart. With a courage worthy a better
cause, she darted by him and tried one or two of the wainscot panels
as if seeking a private spring, which Davy who, was fully awake by
this time perceiving, sprang up, and caught hold of her, grasping her
tightly; she wrestled with him with the strength of a lioness, and but
for papa's help, she must have escaped; he now fired the pistol at the
wainscot, to show her it really contained a slug, which he thought she
might doubt, and taking the fellow instrument from his pocket, told
her it was loaded like the other and that, unless she that moment
really and truly confessed who and what she was, and by whom employed,
her hours were numbered.
Trembling and almost gasping for breath, she fell on her knees and
implored mercy.
"It can be shown," said my father "only on one condition, a full
confession of every thing connected with your being here."
"But," faltered she, "if I do shall I be given up to _them_ and they
will surely kill me if I am."
"Tell the truth," said my father, "and if, as I judge from your last
words; you are the tool of others, you shall be protected, and if
deserving, or even repentant, shall be cared for: but stay," said he,
pouring out a glass of wine, "you are greatly agitated, take this and
then sit down. Now, if you will tell the truth, you may dismiss your
fears, and by making the only reparation in your power, a full
disclosure, you may also make a friend of me."
"Indeed Sir I will, for I feel sure you will keep your word."
"You see before you one, who till the last few years, knew not the
ways of sin. I was carefully and tenderly brought up some miles from
here; but forming an acquaintance with a young man, I married him
against the wishes of my parents. I soon found out he was a smuggler,
for he brought me to these parts, where I have been compelled to act
the character you saw this evening, to prevent any body buying the
place, it being so near the sea and having a passage under ground it
just suited for the purpose. The gang consists of six men who are all
but one gone out with a boat to fetch a cargo; the moon sets about
half past three, when they will bring it in. Had you been here last
night they were all in the cave."
"Would you like to return to the paths of duty and virtue?" asked my
father.
"Oh yes Sir, but how can I, who will now look on me, how can I leave
one, who though so wicked and I fear hardened in wickedness is still
very dear to me?"
"Only purpose to do rightly," said my father, and God will surely open
a way for you. All you have to do, is to pray to and trust in him."
"Oh Sir that is what my poor old father would say, that is just how he
used to talk to me;" and she fell to crying bitterly.
"Is he still living?"
"He is Sir, for a letter I wrote begging his forgiveness, was returned
to a neighbouring post-office, only the other day."
Papa then insisted on her taking some more refreshment, and looking at
his watch perceived it was nearly one o'clock: much was to be done,
ere the smugglers returned. The woman informed him that only one then
remained who ought to have been on the watch, to light a beacon
prepared in case of any danger, but that there was so little fear of
any thing of the kind, that he had freely indulged in spirits, of
which there were plenty in the cave and was now fast asleep, in a
state of intoxication, consequently, could be secured without any
difficulty. She accompanied papa and Davy to the bed, but on reaching
it started back with horror, and would have fallen, had not the latter
caught her; for the wretched being that lay before them, was her
husband who had returned wounded and from the state of exhaustion he
was in, it appeared dangerously so. She was alarmed, and both papa and
Davy were so too, least the man they expected to find had escaped, and
given the alarm; but it was not the case; for at a little distance,
they found him lying on the ground, so completely under the influence
of drink, that he was easily secured. Papa now concluded it better to
light the beacon, particularly when he learnt that doing so would
deter the smugglers from running their cargo, till another signal was
given. The poor creature entreated that something might be done for
her husband, and papa much moved by her distress, told her a surgeon
should be sent for, but that he did not consider it safe for either
Davy Evans or himself to remain alone. She then pointed to a door
which contained the arms and ammunition of the gang, in case of being
discovered. He secured the key of this, and then despatched Davy to
the village, who soon roused Griffy Davis to whom he triumphantly
announced the capture of the ghost, and speedily returned with several
of the villagers, whom he assured should be well rewarded from the
spoils of the smugglers. The latter soon after seeing the light
announcing danger sent a secret emissary, who finding all was
discovered, returned to the others, who immediately left the country;
and although a strict search has been made, no tidings have yet been
heard of them, and it is supposed they have flown to foreign parts.
It was ludicrous to see and hear Mrs. Davis, she thought papa an
extraordinary man before, but now, she knew not how to express her
admiration of his courage and discernment even I, fell in for a share
of her praises. "Who could," she said "have thought it!" indeed, every
one seemed surprised, and wondered they never suspected the truth, as
papa did, but I must leave all their surmises and curious remarks till
we meet, only telling you, Jenkins the wounded man lived long enough
to testify sincere repentance and poor Mary his wife, was restored to
her parents through the intercession of papa who thinks she will
now-become a respectable character. The man who was taken, was
doubtless more guilty than could be proved, however he was found
sufficiently so, to be sent to hard labour for three months in the
neighbouring Penitentiary. He proved to be the identical Jamie Reece,
who was said to have been spirited away by the ghost, but who, in
fact, joined the gang which had just lost one of their number.
An immense quantity of contraband goods were found secreted.
I must now conclude this voluminous epistle and trust we shall soon
meet, when I have a great deal more to say. And next summer you will I
hope be able to come spend a month here.