Page:Ballantyne--The Battery and the Boiler.djvu/113

 Oh yes, I know,' replied the sportsman, with a laugh; 'I have shuddered and grue-oo-'d many a time over ghost-stories. Well?'

I don't believe in 'em, Jeff. Why do you?' asked Stumps, in a scoffing tone.

Because I hear one every night a'most when I go down into the dark places below to fetch things. There's one particular spot where the ghost goes tap-tap-tapping continually.'

Fiddlededee,' said Stumps.

Come down, and you shall hear it for yourself,' said Jeff.

"Now, they say that Stumps is a coward, though he boasts a good deal—."

"You may say," interrupted the sportsman, "that Stumps is a coward because he boasts a good deal. Boasting is often a sign of cowardice—though not always."

"Well," continued Robin, "being ashamed to draw back, I suppose, he agreed to accompany Jeff."

Won't you come too, Slagg?' said Stumps.

No; I don't care a button for ghosts. Besides, I 'm too busy, but Wright will go. There, don't bother me!' said Jim.

"I noticed, as I went last out of the room, that Slagg rose quickly and pulled a sheet off one of the beds. Afterwards, looking back, I saw him slip