"Yes, sir," the butler averred, on being questioned. "I'm willin' to go on record as a disbeliever in spooks. They ain't no such things. I don't deny I've been some scared up hearin' you ladies and gentlemen talk about such matters. But I don't believe in 'em and I never will. Them two pore critters was done to death, but I'm free to confess I can't see how."
Professor Hardwick looked at the speaker. "As Mr. Dooley observed," he said, "your remarks is inthrestin' but not convincin'. My man, if there is no possible way that murder could have been done,--and we in here are agreed on that point,--what is left but the inevitability of supernormal agents?"
"Your long words gets me, sir, but it don't make no difference. It wa'n't spooks."
"He's hopeless," said Tracy. "Let's ask him other things. Thorpe, my man, have you never seen any circumstance or occurrence in this house, that you couldn't explain by natural means?"
"I ain't never been in this house, sir, except as I came here to buttle for you folks. Mr. Stebbins, he give the job to me and my wife, 'cause we're honest, hard-working people, and he knew he could trust us not to tattle or tell no tales of your goin's on. He says, 'Thorpe,' says he, 'they're a queer lot what's comin' up here, but they're my tenants, and I don't want 'em bothered none by gossip and tale-bearin' to the village.' Ain't that right, Mr. Stebbins?"
"Just so," said Stebbins, calmly. "Them's just about my very words. You told me, Mr. Landon, that you were a crowd of spook-hunters, and so it was up to me to spare you all the annoyance I could. An' well I know how the villagers gossip about this here house, if they get a chance. So, with the Thorpes at the head of things and a couple of good close-mouthed girls for helpers, I 'llowed you'd not be troubled. And you ain't been,--up to now. But this thing can't be kept quiet no longer. Of course, a thing like this is more or less public property, and I can tell you, there'll be plenty of curious villagers up here to the inquest and all that."
"Inquest!" cried Eve, "what do you mean?"
"Jest that, ma'am. That dunder-headed coroner, or county physician as he really is, he's set on havin' an inquest,--says he's got to. Well, I don't know much about law, but if they can ketch and hang a ha'nt, let 'em do it, say I!"
