I have so
much to live for! What would my poor wife do without me?' I pushed away these frightening ideas. I
shouted louder, and then listened for an answer. Above the sad, complaining sounds of the wind I
thought I heard a far−off cry. I shouted again, and again I imagined that I heard an answer. Then out of
the darkness appeared a little white circle of light. It came nearer; it became brighter. I ran towards it as
fast as I could − and found an old man with a lantern.
`Thank God!' I cried. I was very, very pleased to see him.
He did not look at all glad to see me, however. He lifted his lantern and stared into my face.
`What are you thanking God for?' he growled.
`Well − I was thanking Him for you. I was afraid that I was lost in the snow.'
`Where are you trying to get to?'
`Dwolding. How far is it from here?' I asked.
`About twenty miles,' the old man growled. `So you are lost, after all.'
`Oh dear. And where is the nearest village?'
`The nearest village is Wyke, and that's twelve miles away from here.'
`Where do you live, then?'
Ghost Stories
1 23
`Over there,' he said, pointing with the lantern.
`Are you going home, then?' I asked.
`Perhaps I am.'
`Then please let me go home with you,' I said.
The old man shook his head. `That's no good,' he said. `He won't let you in.'
`Oh, I'm sure he will,' I said. `Who is "he"?'
`My master.'
`Who is your master?' I asked.
`That's none of your business,' was the old man's rude reply.
`Well, please take me to him. I'm sure that your master will give me shelter and supper tonight.'
`Well, I don't think he will, but I suppose you can always ask!' the old man said crossly. He shook
his grey head again and started walking. I followed the light of his lantern through the falling snow.
Suddenly I saw a big black shape in the darkness. A huge dog came running towards me. It growled
angrily.
`Down, King!' said the old man.
`Is this the house?' I asked.
`Yes, this is the house . . . Down, King!' And he took a key out of his pocket.
The door was huge and heavy. It looked like the door of a prison. The old man turned the key and I
saw my chance. Quickly I pushed past him into the house