Page:Visits from the world of spirits (NLS104185233).pdf/19

19 but found it impossible; its bony arms were strong ly clasped round the trembling girl's neck! She again endeavoured to shake off her dreadful load, but in vain! she was on the point of fainting with excess of horror, when the appalling skeleton, with a sepulchral voice said, 'I will not loose thee.' Oh, Father of mercy, assist me!' exclaimed the affrighted girl. The skeleton answered with a still more appalling voice, 'I will never release thee from my arms, until thou promise to do what I shall command thee.' 'Tell me what it is, cried the terrified Maria, and I will perform it, be what it may.' 'Thou must go, said the skeleton, in a deep and hollow voice, into the church; thou wilt find a door in the right hand aisle, which leads to a vault; enter it, and proceed along the subterraneous passage, until thou find a lady wrapped in a black shroud; ask her to forgive my sins. Wilt thou do this,' continued the skeleton in a loud and appalling voice, whilst his bones rattled with a horrible noise, and his bony arms pressed her neck still closer. I will' faintly said the trembling girl. The skeleton instantly released her from his terrible grasp. She endeavoured to fly from the church-yard, but, was followed by her dreadful companion, whose bony 'feet, rattled over the tomb-stones, frightened poor Maria to such a degree, that, unable to proceed, she sank on a new made grave, deprived of motion, Her dreadful pursuer soon reached the inanimate