The Arkansaw traveler., 1886-02-20

speech. l had often desired to sleeu ;s haunted room, but my devout wish at this moment was that Parker had put me anywhere else. Second thoughts assured me that 1t was a mere coincidence. Hun. dreds of similar cases of ocular delusion are on record. thought could privately account for my visisn in a way that prr. cluded connection with David's uo,old tale. And castle like Swalecliffe woud be incomplete without its ghost laughed, defed David and the spirit. world, drew back the curtains, went to bed, and dept ssundly al aighs through After breakfast on the morrow the guests were left awhile to follow the;r OWE devices. strolled out on the lawn with couple of county gentlemen to en. joy morning cigarette, We sauntered some way along the hill, to a mound which afforded an excellent view of the castle, which we stayed to contemplate
 "Cleverlv done, upon my honor," calculated Sir John approvingly. "ls looks uncommonly well"
 "You never thought to find yourself inside Swaleclife," rejoined the other, laughing.
 Something in the manner of their iocu. larity unaccountably reminded me of those rough loiterers at the station.
 "Swalecliffe Castle, "the speaker added "seunds fine. Well, we shall soon get used to it"
 "Get used to what2" asked inquisi. lively.
 "Why, don't you know ?" said Sir Tohn. taking his cigar from his lips.
 Is there anything to know7 am stranger in these parts"
 "Oh, see" He replaced his cigar. "Well, till last year Swalecliffe was prison"
 This time started outright.
 "Why, what's the matter ?" he said, laughing. "You don't seem to like the notion
 "I don't" said I, trying, but unsuccess- fully, to laugh also: Here was a second coincidence, in itself preternaturally strange.
 "Well, it was for sale cheap. Capital site, buildings and building material to treat as he liked. The rivers taken to overfowing, and for that and other req. sons the convict establishment has been removed to Southbury, ten miles off. Parker's bought up the land about, and will drain the marsh, SO it's been a good thing for everybody all round. But you can't get over it, sec"
 "A prisonp repeated "There's something lugubrious in the idea" "Well," quoth Sir John philosophically "you can't be particular about the ante cedents of a house, as if it were person. Perhaps Swalecliffe might stand inquiry better than some old family places. It was model establishment in every way" had recovered my self-possession. Let us hope, then, it is unaffected by sinister associations" "There is a haunted chamber some where, believe" said my companion, laughing; "but who the enterprisine burglar is who comes burgling is more than 1 know"
 The subject was dropped. But although persuaded not one ghost-story in a thou sand is worth investigating, said to my self this was the one. l must question Parker. Not to-day, not till after the ball. own was not sorry that dancing was prolonged till broad daylight. Then only retired to my room, for which had conceived the strongest aversion. rose in good time, as was leaving after breakfast. Parker did not appear. A slight attack of gout confined him te his room, where l went to bid him adieu, and found him cordial, jocund as usual.
 "Always glad to see you at Swalecliffe, remember. We've made presentable place of it, have we not3' elf it were possible,"I returned with emphasis, to exercise gloomy associa- tions, you must have succeeded" sa L.. urged cheerily.
 Do you never find nervous people painfully affected by anything here2 1 have reason for asking"
 "What do you mean ?" said he sharply.
 "No depressing influences or uncom- fortable stories to trouble you or your guests ?"
 Annoyed, he muttered, It's those con. founded servants. Has that old fool David"
 He hinted something" l said, "l should scarcely have borne in mind but that four hours before, when first stepping into that room, had a curious false i'm. pression-hallucination if you iike-that, coupled with his remark, warrants my question"
 He shifted his position in manifest im- patience, saying: "Now, MT. Milford, you're sensible man tell me what you saw, what you thought you saw"
 c" I'm sensible man, hope, but fancy, were to tell you, should forfeit your good opinion"
 He showed no curiosity, only increased vexation at my disclosure. If this goes on, must pull down the wing-if only to stop peoples mouths"
 "If what goes on p
 !" slept there myself every night for week, and saw nothing"
 "Has anybody but myself ever seen anything~
 "The servants sec something fresh every night. What2 Black dogs, white ladies, men in armor, skeleton rattling chains-nonsense on the face of it."
 "Does any story attach to that-cell, l supposA if was 2v