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 I think I must go home and take a look in that direction, though I hardly expect to find her there now."

"No, I don't think she is there now," said Hattie; "for she would have been afraid to stay there all night, alone."

"Is she afraid to stay alone, then?"

"Oh, yes, in the dark, she is; for Biddy Wales has told her so many ghost stories that she is afraid that she shall see one."

"Then you think Nattie didn't stay alone last night?"

"No, I don't believe she did, sir."

"I don't see what company she could have had, as I can not trace her to the homes of any of her acquaintances in the village. But I will now return and go over the premises again, from the roof downwards. If anything new comes to light, you shall know it. I hope that you will soon get quite well, my little friend."

"Thank you, sir," said Hattie; "and I hope