Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 4).djvu/135

 jectures; but he found it impossible to encourage him in the idea of its being inhabited by living persons; and instead of deriving any help from him to elucidate the mystery, he had only strengthened the steward's apprehensions, and confirmed the report which he had often been inclined to doubt, and think proceeded from the superstition and credulity of the peasants.

No persuasions, therefore, could induce him to accompany Ferdinand in the evening to hide among the trees and make observations; he then applied to the two men who looked after the grounds and cattle, but they were still more terrified.—One of them declared, that oftentimes he had heard groans, and had seen smoke ascending among the weeds, which, however, were never burnt, and therefore it must come from "the old one's" house under-ground, where he would take good care never to disturb him.

It was in vain to combat against ignorance and cowardice; therefore Ferdinand saw he