to enlighten them, lest such should result in the changing of the
vessel's course before I should be near enough to make accurate
observation. All turned out as I wished--at least, nearly so--as
shall be seen. Being in the bow, I had, of course, a better view
than from the bridge. Presently I made out that the boat, which had
all along seemed to be of a queer shape, was none other than a
Coffin, and that the woman standing up in it was clothed in a shroud.
Her back was towards us, and she had evidently not heard our
approach. As we were creeping along slowly, the engines were almost
noiseless, and there was hardly a ripple as our fore-foot cut the
dark water. Suddenly there was a wild cry from the bridge--Italians
are certainly very excitable; hoarse commands were given to the
Quartermaster at the wheel; the engine-room bell clanged. On the
instant, as it seemed, the ship's head began to swing round to
starboard; full steam ahead was in action, and before one could
understand, the Apparition was fading in the distance. The last
thing I saw was the flash of a white face with dark, burning eyes as
the figure sank down into the coffin--just as mist or smoke
disappears under a breeze."



BOOK I: THE WILL OF ROGER MELTON



THE READING OF THE WILL OF ROGER MELTON AND ALL THAT FOLLOWED

Record made by Ernest Roger Halbard Melton, law-student of the Inner
Temple, eldest son of Ernest Halbard Melton, eldest son of Ernest