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was beside himself; he felt that there was something unknown to him, which yet concerned him nearly; that there was an intelligence existing in the moral world about him, of which he alone was ignorant. In the meantime, the midnight plunderings continued; the doings of the "spirits" were more talked of, and the barghaists; the apparitions of those miners who had been, by accident, or some unknown operation during their dangerous employment, killed within the memory of the living, according to the testimony of many of them, were seen each nightfall, sitting on the cross rows and stiles round about, whistling their old tunes, or smoking tobacco, as they were wont when they lived on the earth in their proper flesh and blood.

Goodness and simplicity are commonly joined together; and the virtuous and unsuspicious Matthias was the only being in the district of Gleadless who was uninformed of the cause and objects of the fears and thoughts which governed its inhabitants. The very children whispered his name, and the men pronounced it, between their many curses; and Hester heard it spoken, coupled with words, which wellnigh made her swoon, when her unwilling ear took them in; yet the wisely simple Matthias lived on, in ignorance, but not in bliss.

On the morning of Sunday the 13th of April 1729, he arose weary and in pain, filled with a hot fever. During the previous day, the conduct of the people towards him had become really hostile; and what most wounded him was the fact, that some whom he had served by the forgiveness of faults or debts, and set up again in strong prosperity after they had been thrown to the ground and overwhelmed with poverty, even shunned his presence, and were at evident pains to avoid the necessity of exchanging with him a word or a look. While beholding these things Matthias felt the worm of grief make its silent way into his heart; and he flung himself on his couch, not to sleep, but as it would seem, that the ever-moving worm, in the stillness of the night, might make the more speed of its cruel work, and penetrate to the inmost core. 66 Hester," said the spiritless Matthias, to-day is the celebration of the new commandment, That we love one another;' I shall hence to the town, and hear the discourse of Master Robert Kelsall-it may be, that taking part in the holy business of the day, Heaven may vouchsafe me peace, or at least, permit the dispersion of the inexplicable doubts and fears which fill and surround me." "Matthias, my husband," returned the affectionate Hester, "even as you wish; and when thou hast made thine own prayers, breathe for me, thy wife, one supplication-that I may not be the sport and prey of any evil spirit, whether it be of the air or the earth." Matthias pressed his other heart against that which beat in his too sensitive bosom; and giving Hester a silent reply, more eloquent than uttered words could make, leisurely departed to partake in the service of his church,

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The air was frosty but kindly when he set forth on his little journey; and as he slowly descended the hills of Gleadless, and threaded the narrow footpaths, which, through the remains of the ancient parks of Hallam, led to the good old town, he felt an unusual calmness pervade his breast; and as the pure and cold but not bleak wind, rushed on his lately fervid face, it seemed as if he were lifted beyond the earth with buoyant hopes and clear assurances of presently-coming happiness. Matthias, with humble but cheerful demeanour, entered the Lower, or Nether Chapel, as that was called, (to distinguish it from another building of similar character, which stood somewhat higher in the street,)

in which Master Robert Kelsall officiated. He took his accustomed seat; and, single-hearted as he was in all his doings, while he was seeking communion with Heaven, he had neither looks nor thoughts, to behold or consider the countenances and whisperings of the townspeople, and his many acquaintances who made part of the congregation to which he was attached.

The ordinary services of the day being concluded, the pastor, with brief solemnity, adverted to the sacrament which he was about to administer. He warned none to approach the table whereon it was set forth, whose bosom was burdened with an undivulged crime, or whose heart beat with anger against any fellow mortal. Matthias heard, and assented to the justice of the admonition; he had long since forgiven his "domestic spoiler," and had the means of punishment been his at that mo ment, he would have pronounced forgiveness. The minister dismissed the general congregation, and went forth to a small chancel wherein was a table bearing the sacred elements. Matthias and many aged people moved to follow him. As the latter observed his purpose, they hesitated one by one, and finally departed from the chapel. After a pause, Master Robert Kelsall, standing at the head of the table, with his hands clasped together, spoke as follows:-" Matthias, wherefore art thou here? The fingers of men point to thee-a murderer!-Thy brethren have fled, and will not partake with thee. Fly also if thou hast shed man's blood: fly, I denounce thee not-fly, and learn whether the unregenerated spirit, which bids men revenge themselves upon one another, will sustain thee in solitude." With these words the minister departed, beckoning the deaf men to follow him. Matthias, with wide-open but sightless eyes, looked on the door by which he passed. In one moment of agony the secret of his misery was discoveredhe was believed to be the murderer of Allan Tuitle-his spirit hovered over the depths of the Black Heading-it called for retribution. The colliers, harrassed and dismayed by its frequent wailings and warnings, forgot it had at least half deserved the penalty of mortality, and became impatient for the temporal trial and punishment of the slayer, as the only means by which its anger could be appeased, and the mine and neighbourhood be freed from its horrid presence. The wounded heart of Matthias bled afresh; the " all now was plain to him; he knew why the young fled, and the aged jewel of his soul" was dulledfrowned, and the blind colliers declined his service. It was late in the evening when Matthias found himself at his cottage at Gleadless. Hester received him at the door. They exchanged no words. It would seem that hearts truly affianced beat with true sympathy and perfect knowledge toward each other, and need not the vulgar instruction of speech. Miserable and long was the night which followed. Matthias, at his accustomed hour, rose from a couch which kind sleep had not permitted him for one moment to forget. In the course of a few hours, a num ber of the half-clad children of the miners ran towards his dwel ling, and proclaimed the approach of some one of more than ordinary appearance. Matthias rose slowly from his seat, and received the half courteous salutation of Justice Jessop of the neighbouring Broom Hall. "Master Matthias," said the Magistrate, "I visit you as a friend-attend to me. One Jervase has, of late, pestered my clerks with a strange tale of of murder! which it seems some inadmissible supernatural evidence, would charge upon you. Stand firm, man, we are alone, and I visit you as a friend. Yesterday, I yield

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ed to the fellow's importunities, and admitted his depositions; they are to the effect, that having learned some injury offered or done to your wife by Alan Tuitle, a collier, you attacked him with a naked sword, pursued him into an unfrequented part of the Black Heading Mine, and there slaying him, left his body without burial." Matthias moved his dry lips as if he would speak; but the Justice motioned him to silence, and continued, "The deponent sweareth, that ever since the spirit of the man hath appeared in and about the mine, praying his fellow-labourers to see justice done him on the earth, or at least to gather his bones and pay them Christian rites; and further, that at many times, and in fearful words, it hath threatened to visit and plague him and others until its voice be obeyed." Matthias again vainly essayed to speak, but the Magistrate once more prevented him. "In virtue of my office, Master Matthias, I might institute strict inquiry into these things, and hold you in strict charge, until a public inquest had been made into this matter; but Master Matthias," and here the voice of the speaker was somewhat broken-" I am a husband and a fond one, and I know not what my choleric head might have prompted me to do, had I stood on your grounds. "Mark me," he said, "you are a just man. Inquiry into the affair must take place-it shall be friendly towards you. To-morrow have such about you as knew the dead man's evil character; and myself and some colleagues will attend you, and join in some declaration, which may perhaps clear your reputation, and disabuse the natives here of the belief, that the ghost of a murdered man stalks about, crying in vain for justice." Matthias involuntarily bowed in token of gratitude, and Justice Jessop departed. The first impulse of the poor denounced wretch, was to descend into the Black Heading. Made desperate by excess of misery, he was willing to believe himself the slayer of Alan Tuitle, and that his corse lay in the Spirit's Seat, and did indeed cry for decent sepulture. "Once more," said he to the colliers, who looked on him askance with fear and hatred, "will I essay to learn the secret of yonder mine;" and taking in either hand a lamp, he recklessly cast himself on the neglected subterranean passages which led to it. Long and eagerly did the men lay their ears on the floor of the pit, and inquire of the gloomy silence which reigned around, what was doing in the haunted place. Matthias rushed back amongst them, and fell on his knees, as if unconsciously, in the attitude of thanksgiving. He spoke not; and the miners seeing that he was sinking to insensibility, quickly placed him in the corve, and he was raised to air and light. He was borne to his house, and consigned to the tender ministrations of his wife. The day passed; and the night came and found Matthias leaning still on the bosom of Hester, who, at intervals, gently conjured him to bless her with the sound of his voice, and acquaint her with what new evil they were threatened. Matthias at length rallied, and confusedly detailed the conversation which had passed in the morning, and the agreement respecting the judicial inquiry which was to succeed on the morrow. "When the Justice departed," said he, " a sudden resolution came upon me that I would once more visit the Spirit's Seat, and, if possible, discover whether the man whom I sought to bind-surely not to kill-met his death therein as he fled I passed through many dangerous ways, whereon I saw the marks of the feet of men, and here and there pieces of bright coal newly broken. I persevered and went beyond all former venturings; at last 1 was stopped by inhaling the violet odour, which foreruns the creeping and fatal damp; and holding up my lamp to take a last look around, I

from me.

beheld a-a human eye, glaring horridly upon me, and presently the demon laugh which I had heard before rattled through the place, and I -I know not that I should be ashamed to confess, for nothing human can live in the poisonous gloom, from amidst which that evil looked eye on me, I straightway fled! Hester regarded her distracted husband with solemn earnestness while he spoke, and rising, stood before him for a moment, as if she held solemn counsel with herself, "Yes," at length she exclaimed, "thus it shall be: the rest is the care of heaven. Matthias, thou hast often pressed me to give thee leave to pass a night in ambush, where, as the besotted colliers say, the ghost of Alan Tuitle and troops of others have been seen gliding to and fro: for once I will give thee to danger and unknown jeopardy. Dost thou feel strong, Matthias? Thou shalt rest during the first watch of the night, then thou shall arm thyself, and taking with thee this mantle which I am wont to wear, privily take thy place within the bower in which I used to delight. As soon as thou perceivest the coming flush of the morning, place these other habiliments on the ground beside thee, and shrouding thy head in the mantle, hold silent communion with good angels until thou art visited. "Hester looked as if she would have said more; but her tears began to fall fast, and in her turn she needed support. Matthias knew his wife to be wise and to be good, and he obeyed her, as would the child its parent. Matthias slept, arose at the time proposed, armed himself, and embracing the trembling Hester, set forth on his mission.

The night waned, and the morning rose, discovering Hester at the side of her couch, buried in mental devotion, or at times watching the upward progress of the sun, or listening at the door of the cottage. Hour after hour passed, and the full blaze of day was coming on, yet Matthias had not returned. Hester had passed a time of agony, and was about to go forth in search of her husband, when Justice Jessop, attended by his clerks and men, and twelve of the burgesses of the town, whom he had called together, appeared at the cottage. The presence of Matthias was demanded. Hester presented herself with a distracted air; her husband was hence. The brow of the Justice became severe, and the jurymen began in an under tone to talk with each other. The colliers, who were impatient about the business which was going forward, likewise assembled, and after some further expenditure of their patience, declared, one and all, that it was plain Master Matthias had murdered Alan Tuitle, and being unable to quiet his spirit, or to face the inquiry of justice, had abandoned wife and home, and fled the country! Just as every one had declared his assent to this opinion, the shouts of distant men drew the attention of the whole company in a particular direction. Hester ran towards the quarter from whence the noise came; the voices became stronger and more distinct; as cream of joy burst from her; and falling to the ground, she was left to the care of some whose humanity was not entirely overwhelmed by their curiosity. The turmoil increased, and the crowd rolled on, until it came before the cottage, and the Justice and his wondering attendants were in the midst. Matthias pressed forward amidst loud "hurrahs!" thrusting before him a man strongly bound with ropes; as he came in front of the chief persons present, he struck or pushed his prisoner with some force, and he fell to the ground on his side. Matthias then set his right foot on his shoulder, and exclaimed, "Behold the ghost of Gleadless!" Wonder and admiration filled the minds of the spectators; the prostrate man was Alan Tuitle, aliye, and rendered hideous by a strange dress of skins and feathers, his

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beard falling on his bare and bloody breast, and his whole person pre-
senting an object of horror and loathing. Meanwhile Master Matthias,
who was bleeding from several small wounds, and was apparently much
distressed by some unparalleled exertion, had been seated, and had re-
freshments set before him. Presently the whole assembly became silent,
and regarded Matthias, the wretch lying on the earth, and then the
Justice, as if to inquire from whom the first words of explanation would
proceed. Matthias saw what was passing in their minds, and thus ad-
dressed them :-"By the counsel of my wife, have I secured your tor-
mentor and mine. In the early morning I lay within my garden bower,
disguised and secretly armed; presently I heard a rustling among the
leaves, and saw a huge figure, which I could not recognise, take up some
woman's habiliments which lay at its entrance, and utter a loud laugh.
My heart beat against my sides-I had heard that laugh before. "Oh!
oh!" said the unknown, "what, thou hast proved wise, and art corved

-now," and another horrid laugh burst forth, as he pressed his way
to the interior of the bower, and encircled my head and neck with his
arms. I was enveloped in this mantle, and durst scarcely contend with
the great strength with which he seized me, until I had so far removed
the covering as to enable me to breathe. At the moment I could respire
freely, I sprung suddenly from beneath him, and then threw him on his
back. It was now morning, and we were face to face. I knelt on the
breast of my injurer, my hands seized his throat, and I could have
strangled him on the spot; but this would not have served my purpose.
Long we lay on the ground, until my firm grasp began to relax; in
truth, my senses failed me. My enemy rallied, I lamented that I had not
pressed out at once the breath of life-we fought with various changes
of fortune. He fled, I pursued; the hours wasted: at length the fight
was mine; a blow stunned him, and falling on him once more, I bound
him as you behold!" The Justice, who was already moved by this reci-
tal, embraced Master Matthias, in the face of the whole multitude.
Meanwhile the wounded man, who was supposed to be hurt beyond all
power of motion, had contrived to loosen the gyves on his arms and legs,
and with the speed of lightning fled towards the mouth of the Black
Heading. A few pursued, but the body of the spectators stood motion-
less with surprise. Alan reached the desired place, and in a moment
leapt into the corve and was lost to sight; the revolving wheel ran ra-
pidly round for a moment; in the next, the chain to which it was attach-
ed ceased to run; a low heavy noise was distinctly heard; and a shudder
ran through the crowd, as they at once became sensible, that Alan
Tuitle, at that instant, lay at the bottom of the pit a mass of lifeless
flesh and broken bones.

*

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*

When the first wonder at the events of the day had subsided, the Magistrate directed that the hovel, which was formerly occupied by the dead man, should be razed; the work was completed in an hour, and discovered the mouth of an old and neglected pit, which led directly to that underground neighbourhood, which had received the name of the Spirits' Seat. Its course was traced, and the skins of sheep and lambs were seen lying about. In one place, were stores of articles which had been stolen since the time of the supposed murder; and at its extremity was found the complete apparel of one, who, some years before, was supposed to have been privately murdered or spirited away.

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