"Anything else to-day?" he asked-rather sneeringly, I grieve to
state.

"No-o-o, I don't think of anything special," drawled the ghost
reflectively; "I'd like to have an iron fence around it to keep the
cows off, but I s'pose that's included."

"Of course! And a gravel walk, and a lot of abalone shells, and
fresh posies daily; a marble angel or two for company, and anything
else that will add to your comfort. Have you any other extremely
reasonable request to make of me?"

"Yes-since you mention it. I want you to contest my will. Horace
Hawes is having his'n contested."

"My fine friend, you did not make any will."

"That ain't o' no consequence. You forge me a good 'un and contest
that."

"With pleasure, sir; but that will be extra. Now indulge me in one
question. You spoke of the society where you reside. Where do you
reside?"

The Dutch clock pounded clamorously upon its brazen gong a countless
multitude of hours; the glowing coals fell like an avalanche through
the grate, spilling all over the cat, who exalted her voice in a
squawk like the deathwail of a stuck pig, and dashed affrighted
through the window. A smell of scorching fur pervaded the place, and
under cover of it the aged spectre walked into the mirror, vanishing