Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/323

Rh instantly vanished, and the figure of a young woman appeared in its place. Although in a state of great trepidation at such an unexpected event, such was his curiosity that he ventured to touch her hand, and, to his amazement, felt that it was cold as death. Terror-stricken, he left the horse to find its way to the stables, and, trembling in every limb, rushed home, where he was pronounced to be ghost-seized, and a native doctor was sent for. He lay many days in a dangerous state from ague fits, his friends and relatives perfuming the house with incense and prepared herbs, and going through a variety of rites and ceremonies to drive away the evil spirit.

Another story I have heard is of a nurse, who slept with a little child in a part of the house close to a Cuppoo tree. One night, as she lay with her charge by her side, she heard the cries of a cat, and the mocking laugh of a woman, followed by the plaintive wails of a child. The baboo remained VOL. I.