"Inspector Kobold came to you--" The little Ghost began. Here I broke in--"Inspector who? Inspecting Ghosts is something new! Explain yourself my man!"
"His name is Kobold," said my guest: "One of the Spectre order: You'll very often see him dressed In a yellow gown, a crimson vest, And a night-cap with a border.
"He tried the Brocken business first, But caught a sort of chill; So came to England to be nursed, And here it took the form of _thirst_, Which he complains of still.
[Illustration: "AND HERE IT TOOK THE FORM OF _THIRST_"]
"Port-wine, he says, when rich and sound, Warms his old bones like nectar: And as the inns, where it is found, Are his especial hunting-ground, We call him the _Inn-Spectre_."
I bore it--bore it like a man-- This agonizing witticism! And nothing could be sweeter than My temper, till the Ghost began Some most provoking criticism.
"Cooks need not be indulged in waste; Yet still you'd better teach them Dishes should have _some sort_ of taste. Pray, why are all the cruets placed Where nobody can reach them?
"That man of yours will never earn His living as a waiter! Is that queer _thing_ supposed to burn? (It's far too dismal a concern To call a Moderator).
"The duck was tender, but the peas Were very much too old: And just remember, if you please, The _next_ time you have toasted cheese, Don't let them send it cold.
"You'd find the bread improved, I think, By getting better flour: And have you anything to drink That looks a _little_ less like ink, And isn't _quite_ so sour?"
Then, peering round with curious eyes, He muttered "Goodness gracious!" And so went on to criticise-- "Your room's an inconvenient size: It's neither snug nor spacious.
"That narrow window, I expect, Serves but to let the dusk in--" "But please," said I, "to recollect 'Twas fashioned by an architect Who pinned his faith on Ruskin!"
"I don't care who he was, Sir, or On whom he pinned his faith! Constructed by whatever law, So poor a job I never saw, As I'm a living Wraith!
"What a re-markable cigar! How much are they a dozen?" I growled "No matter what they are! You're getting as familiar As if you were my cousin!
"Now that's a thing _I will not stand_, And so I tell you flat." "Aha," said he, "we're getting grand!" (Taking a bottle in his hand) "I'll soon arrange for _that_!"