Page:Ghost of my uncle (NLS104185164).pdf/14

14 large heavy headed fire-poker to the assistance of the servant, who was loudly shrieking for help: just then the old clock struck twelve rapid strokes, and the bell had not ceased to vibrate, when we heard three heavy knocks, as if given by a mallet upon the wall, which seperated the kitchen from the parlour where my uncle lay. There appeared to be something supernatural in this. The whole house seemed to shake to its very foundation. A deep silence ensued. I stood still. The wretches instantly became sober. We all gazed earnestly and wildly at the place from whence the noise proceeded. Scarce had we recovered from the shock, when we were again thunderstruck with a noise in the parlour; it was unlike any sound that I had ever heard before. It seemed as if all the furniture in the room was violently crashed together, mingled with the noise of fire-arms Shrieks and exclamations burst from all.

The windows shook and every door of the habitation gave a momentary jar. I trembled with awe. I felt every hair of my heart, bristling upwards—my knees smote against each other—a deathly paleness sat on ever countenance, and all eyes were fixed in a intense gaze on the door, at the upper part of the kitchen, which led to the staircase buttery, and parlour. When, to complete the horror of the scene, the door burst wide