She implored me
to come to bed. I told her frankly that I wished to see who it
was who played such absurd tricks upon us. She answered that it
was some senseless practical joke, and that I should not take
any notice of it.
"`If it really annoys you, Hilton, we might go and travel,
you and I, and so avoid this nuisance.'
"`What, be driven out of our own house by a practical joker?'
said I. `Why, we should have the whole county laughing at us.'
"`Well, come to bed,' said she, `and we can discuss it
in the morning.'
"Suddenly, as she spoke, I saw her white face grow whiter yet
in the moonlight, and her hand tightened upon my shoulder.
Something was moving in the shadow of the tool-house. I saw a
dark, creeping figure which crawled round the corner and
squatted in front of the door. Seizing my pistol I was rushing
out, when my wife threw her arms round me and held me with
convulsive strength. I tried to throw her off, but she clung
to me most desperately. At last I got clear, but by the time
I had opened the door and reached the house the creature was gone.
He had left a trace of his presence, however, for there on the
door was the very same arrangement of dancing men which had
already twice appeared, and which I have copied on that paper.
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