afraid of being left alone with the body, you will be very welcome to the
use of this poor house. However, I must tell you that nobody, except a
priest, would dare to remain here tonight."


Muso made answer:--


"For your kind intention and your generous hospitality and am deeply
grateful. But I am sorry that you did not tell me of your father's death
when I came; -- for, though I was a little tired, I certainly was not so
tired that I should have found difficulty in doing my duty as a priest. Had
you told me, I could have performed the service before your departure. As
it is, I shall perform the service after you have gone away; and I shall
stay by the body until morning. I do not know what you mean by your words
about the danger of staying here alone; but I am not afraid ofghosts or
demons: therefore please to feel no anxiety on my account."


The young man appeared to be rejoiced by these assurances, and expressed
his gratitude in fitting words. Then the other members of the family, and
the folk assembled in the adjoining room, having been told of the priest's
kind promises, came to thank him,-- after which the master of the house
said:--


"Now, reverend Sir, much as we regret to leave you alone, we must bid you
farewell. By the rule of our village, none of us can stay here after
midnight. We beg, kind Sir, that you will take every care of your honorable
body, while we are unable to attend upon you. And if you happen to hear or