yourself."

"He's as dull as ditch-water," said John.

"But," said Jessie, taking his hand with a feeling of security,
"you're better than nothing--a great deal better than nothing."

"Thank you, Jessie, thank you! A man is the better for a little
encouragement, you know;" and he looked at the Rose, but she was
blind; which made her easier looked at, to be sure, but there was less
chance of an answer, encouraging or otherwise.

They had got up the spirit of the game again, and were going on
briskly, when they were all brought to a stand by the bell ringing for
the third time.

"Don't stop," cried Bessie: "go on with the game and take no notice
unless it rings again;" and as a leader who must show no fear she
chased her sisters round the kitchen, making them flee to avoid being
caught, when, as if in answer to her remark, the bell did ring again.

This was too much. They all ran to the door, but neither human being
nor ghost was to be seen.

"I say," said John to his brother, "you and I will go out and watch.
Edwin, you'll stay with the girls--they are frightened--and if the
bell rings again we'll see who does it."

"You have more need of Edwin than we have, John," Bessie said: "it
will take you all to catch a ghost."