that seemed to cling clammily to the skin like the caress of a naked
oyster. Thoughtfully setting down the result of his addition so far
as he had proceeded with it, he turned about and looked up.

"I beg your pardon, sir," said he, "but you have not the advantage
of my acquaintance."

"Why, Jake," replied the apparition-whom I have thought it useless
to describe--"don't you know me?"

"I confess that your countenance is familiar," returned my friend,
"but I cannot at this moment recall your name. I never forget a
face, but names I cannot remember."

"Jake!" rumbled the spectre with sepulchral dignity, a look of
displeasure crawling across his pallid features, "you're foolin'."

"I give you my word I am quite serious. Oblige me with your name,
and favour me with a statement of your business with me at this
hour."

The disembodied party sank uninvited into a chair, spread out his
knees and stared blankly at a Dutch clock with an air of weariness
and profound discouragement. Perceiving that his guest was making
himself tolerably comfortable my friend turned again to his figures,
and silence reigned supreme. The fire in the grate burned
noiselessly with a mysterious blue light, as if it could do more if
it wished; the Dutch clock looked wise, and swung its pendulum with
studied exactness, like one who is determined to do his precise duty
and shun responsibility; the cat assumed an attitude of intelligent