Page:Visits from the world of spirits (NLS104185233).pdf/3



The discovery of a Murder by an Apparition.

There is a remarkable story, which I believe to be true, of a certain man, who was brought to the. bar of justice on suspicion of murder, which, however, he knew it was not in the power of human-knowledge to detect. When he came to hold up his hand at the bar, he pleaded, not guilty; and the court began to be at a loss for proof, nothing but suspicion and circumstantial evidence appearing, however, such witnesses as they had, they examined as usual; the witnesses standing up, as is usual, upon a little step, to be visible to the court.

When the Court thought they had no more witnesses to examine, and the man in a few moment would have been acquitted, he gave a shriek at the bar, as if he was frightened; but recovering his courage a little, he stretched out his arm toward the place where the witnesses usually stand to give evidence upon trials, and pointing with his hand.

'My lord,' said he aloud, 'that is not fair: 'tis not according to law; he's not a legal witness.

The Court were surprised, and Could not under stood what the man meant; but the Judge, a man of more penetration, took the hint, and checking