advised us to drive on here, put up for the night, and catch the Great Northern express from Exton in the morning. (Rises, crosses to L.) Oh, George, that reminds me—you might see that 'Boots' calls us at 7 sharp.

(Beldon rises, goes up to them to fire.)

George. Certainly, sir. What are your numbers?

Somers. 13 and 14.

George. I'll put it on the slate, special, sir. (Goes to door L.)

Leek. I beg pardon, gentlemen, I forgot the cigars; George, bring some cigars back with you.

Beldon. A very mild one for me.

George. Very well, sir. (Takes up tray from sideboard.)

(Exit L.)

(Somers sits R. C.)

Malcolm. I think you were very wise coming on here. (Sits on settle R.) I stayed at the Railway Arms, Tolleston, once—never again though. Is your friend clever at acting?

Somers. I don't think he's clever enough to frighten you. I'm to spend Christmas at his place, and he's asked me to assist at the theatricals he spoke of. Nothing would satisfy him till I consented, and I must honestly say I am very sorry I ever did, for I expect I shall be pretty bad. I know I have scarcely slept a wink these last few nights, trying to get the words into my head.

(George enters backwards, pale and trembling.)

Malcolm. Why! Look—what the devil's the matter with George? (Crosses to George.)

George. I've seen it, gentlemen. (Down stage L. C.)

Omnes. Seen who?

(Beldon down R. edge of table R. Leek up R. C. Somers up R.)

George. The ghost. Jer—Bun—

Malcolm. Why, you're frightened, George.

George. Yes, sir. It was the suddenness of it, and besides I didn't look for seeing it in the bar. There was only a glimmer of light there, and it was sitting on the floor. I nearly touched it.

Malcolm (goes to door, looks off, then returns—to others). It must be Hirst up to his tricks. George was out of the room when he suggested it. (To George.) Pull yourself together, man.

George. Yes, sir—but it took me unawares. I'd never have gone to the bar by myself if I'd known it was there, and I don't believe you would, either, sir.

Malcolm. Nonsense, I'll go and fetch him in. (Crosses to L.)

George (clutching him by the sleeve). You don't know what it's like, sir. It ain't fit to look at by yourself, it ain't indeed. It's got the awfullest deathlike face, and short cropped red hair—it's—

(Smothered cry is heard.)

What's that? (Backs to C and leans on chair.)

(All start, and a quick pattering of footsteps is heard rapidly approaching the room. The door flies open and Hirst flings himself gasping and shivering into Malcolm's arms. The door remains open. He has only his trousers and shirt on, his face very white with fear and his own hair all standing on end. Leek lights the gas, then goes to R. of Hirst.)

Omnes. What's the matter?

Malcolm. Why, it's Hirst.

(Shakes him roughly by the shoulder.)

What's up?

Hirst. I've seen—oh, Lord! I'll never play the fool again. (Goes C.)

Others. Seen what?

Hirst. Him—it—the ghost—anything.

Malcolm (uneasily). Rot!

Hirst. I was coming down the stairs to get something I'd forgotten, when I felt a tap—(He breaks off suddenly gazing through open door.) I thought I saw it again—Look—at the foot of the stairs, can't you see anything? (Shaking Leek.)

Leek (crosses to door peering down passage). No, there's nothing there. (Stays up L.)

(Hirst gives a sigh of relief.)

Malcolm (L. C.). Go on—you felt a tap——

Hirst (C.). I turned and saw it—a little wicked head with short red hair—and a white dead face—horrible.

(Clock chimes three-quarters.)

(They assist him into chair L. of table R.)

George (up C.). That's what I saw in the bar—'orrid—it was devilish. (Coming C.)

(Malcolm crosses to L. Hirst shudders.)

Malcolm. Well, it's a most unaccountable thing. It's the last time I come to this house. (Goes to R. of Leek.)

George. I leave to-morrow. I wouldn't go down to that bar alone—no, not for fifty pounds. (Goes up R. to arm-chair.)

Somers (crosses to door R. then returns to R. C.). It's talking about the thing that's caused it, I expect. We've had it in our minds, and we've been practically forming a spiritualistic circle without knowing it. (Goes to back of table R.)

Beldon (crosses to R. C.). Hang the old gentleman. Upon my soul I'm half afraid to go to bed.

Malcolm. Doctor, it's odd they should both think they saw something.

(They both drop down L. C.)

George (up C.). I saw it as plainly as I see you, sir. P'raps if you keep your eyes turned up the passage you'll see it for yourself. (Points.)

(They all look. Beldon goes to Somers.)

Beldon. There—what was that?