Dr. Alward and his scientific friends also conversed with the ghosts by
calling over the alphabet, the ghosts knocking at the correct letters,
and in that way long communications were spelled out to the satisfaction
of those present.

After remaining in Saint John about three weeks, Esther returned to
Amherst, and accepted an invitation to visit Mr. and Mrs. Van Amburgh,
who reside about three miles from the village. She remained eight weeks
with them, during which period the ghosts allowed her to enjoy the calm
repose of a life in the woods, the Van Amburgh farm being literally
situated in the woods.

At the expiration of the eighth week she returned to Amherst, and went
back to Dan's cottage to reside, being employed during the day in
White's Dining Saloon. The manifestations soon commenced again, and were
as powerful as when the author commenced his investigation of the case.




CHAPTER V.

THE AUTHOR AND THE GHOSTS.


I closed my engagement with the Dramatic Company of which I was a
member, in Newfoundland, and went to Amherst, to expose, if possible,
Esther Cox, the great Amherst Mystery.