history: Last night I kept hearing strange noises come from my basement. I haven't been down there since I got the house. I kept hearing strange noises come from my basement last night. I haven't been down there since I found the house available to rent real cheap. Hmmm yeah I maybe would consider moving out. 
current: Well tonight I may have to investigate. The problem is the lights don't work and I don't have a flashlight. I hope I don't get spooked.
next: Maybe you should have someone go down with you. Safety in numbers?