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Pioneersusedtoentertainthemselvesbytellingscarystories.Atnighttheymightgatherinsomebody’scabin,oraroundafire,andseewhocouldscaretheothersthemost.
Somegirlsandboysinmytowndothesamethingtoday.Theygettogetheratsomebody’shouse,andtheyturnoutthelightsandeatpopcorn,andscareoneanotherhalftodeath.
Tellingscarystoriesissomethingpeoplehavedoneforthousandsofyears,formostofuslikebeingscaredinthatway.Sincethereisn’tanydanger,wethinkitisfun.
Thereareagreatmanyscarystoriestotell.Thereareghoststories.Therearetalesofwitches,devils,bogeymen,zombies,andvampires.Therearetalesofmonstrouscreaturesandofotherdangers.Thereevenarestoriesthatmakeuslaughatallthisscariness.
Someofthesetalesareveryold,andtheyaretoldaroundtheworld.Andmosthavethesameorigins.Theyarebasedonthingsthatpeoplesaworheardorexperienced—orthoughttheydid.
Manyyearsagoayoungprincebecamefamousforascarystoryhestartedtotell,butdidnotfinish.HisnamewasMamillius,andheprobablywasnineortenyearsold.WilliamShakespearetoldabouthiminTheWinter’sTale.
Itwasonadarkwinter’sdaythathismother,thequeen,askedhimforastory.
“Asadtale’sbestforwinter,”hesaid.“Ihaveoneofspritesandgoblins.”
“Doyourbesttofrightenmewithyoursprites,”shesaid.“You’repowerfulatit.”
“Ishalltellitsoftly,”hesaid.“Yondcricketsshallnothearit.”
Andhebegan,“Therewasamandweltbyachurchyard.”Butthatwasasfarashegot.Foratthatmomentthekingcameinandarrestedthequeenandtookheraway.Andsoonafterthat,Mamilliusdied.Nooneknowshowhewouldhavefinishedhisstory.Ifyoustartedashedid,whatwouldyoutell?
Mostscarystoriesare,ofcourse,meanttobetold.Theyaremorescarythatway.Buthowyoutellthemisimportant.
AsMamilliusknew,thebestwayistospeaksoftly,sothatyourlistenersleanforwardtocatchyourwords,andtospeakslowly,sothatyourvoicesoundsscary.
Andthebesttimetotellthesestoriesisatnight.Inthedarkandthegloom,itis
easyforsomeonelisteningtoimagineallsortsofstrangeandscarythings.
ALVINSCHWARTZ
Princeton,NewJersey
“Aaaaaaaaaaah!”
Thischapterisfilledwith"jumpstories"youcanusetomakeyourfriendsJUMPwithfright.
·THEBIGTOE·
Aboywasdiggingattheedgeofthegardenwhenhesawabigtoe.Hetriedtopickitup,butitwasstucktosomething.Sohegaveitagoodhardjerk,anditcameoffinhishand.Thenheheardsomethinggroanandscamperaway.
Theboytookthetoeintothekitchenandshowedittohismother.“Itlooksniceandplump,”shesaid.“I’llputitinthesoup,andwe’llhaveitforsupper.”
Thatnighthisfathercarvedthetoeintothreepieces,andtheyeachhadapiece.Thentheydidthedishes,andwhenitgotdarktheywenttobed.
Theboyfellasleepalmostatonce.Butinthemiddleofthenight,asoundawakenedhim.Itwassomethingoutinthestreet.Itwasavoice,anditwascallingtohim.
“Whereismyto-o-o-o-o-e?”itgroaned.
Whentheboyheardthat,hegotveryscared.Buthethought,“Itdoesn’tknowwhereIam.Itneverwillfindme.
Thenheheardthevoiceoncemore.Onlynowitwascloser.
“Whereismyto-o-o-o-o-e?”itgroaned.
Theboypulledtheblanketsoverhisheadandclosedhiseyes.“I’llgotosleep,”hethought.“WhenIwakeupitwillbegone.”
Butsoonheheardthebackdooropen,andagainheheardthevoice.
“Whereismyto-o-o-o-o-e?”itgroaned.
Thentheboyheardfootstepsmovethroughthekitchenintothediningroom,intothelivingroom,intothefronthall.Thenslowlytheyclimbedthestairs.
Closerandclosertheycame.Soontheywereintheupstairshall.Nowtheywereoutsidehisdoor.
“Whereismyto-o-o-o-o-e?”thevoicegroaned.
Hisdooropened.Shakingwithfear,helistenedasthefootstepsslowlymovedthroughthedarktowardhisbed.Thentheystopped.
“Whereismyto-o-o-o-o-e?”thevoicegroaned.
(Atthispoint,pause.Thenjumpatthepersonnexttoyouandshout:)
“YOU’VEGOTIT!”
“TheBigToe”alsohasanotherending.
Whentheboyhearsthevoicecallingforitstoe,hefindsastrange-lookingcreatureupinsidethechimney.Theboyissofrightenedhecan’tmove.Hejuststandsthereandstaresatit.
Finallyheasks:“W-w-w-whatyougotsuchbigeyesfor?”
Andthecreatureanswers:“Tolookyouthro-o-o-ughandthro-o-o-ugh!”
“W-w-w-whatyougotsuchbigclawsfor?”
“Toscra-a-a-tchupyourgra-a-a-a-ve!”
“W-w-w-whatyougotsuchabigmouthfor?”
“Toswallowyouwho-o-o-le!”
“W-w-w-whatyougotsuchsharpteethfor?”
“TOCHOMPYOURBONES!”
(Asyougivethelastline,pounceononeofyourfriends.)
·THEWALK·
Myunclewaswalkingdownalonelydirtroadoneday.Hecameuponaman
whoalsowaswalkingdownthatroad.Themanlookedatmyuncle,andmyunclelookedattheman.Themanwasscaredofmyuncle,andmyunclewasscaredofthatman.
Buttheykeptonwalking,anditbegantogetdark.Themanlookedatmyuncle,andmyunclelookedattheman.Themanwasveryscaredofmyuncle,andmyunclewasveryscaredofthatman.
Buttheykeptonwalking,andtheycametoabigwoods.Itwasgettingdarker.Andthemanlookedatmyuncle,andmyunclelookedattheman.Themanwasreallyscaredofmyuncle,andmyunclewasreallyscaredofthatman.
Buttheykeptonwalking,anddeepdownintothewoodstheywent.Itwasgettingdarker.Andthemanlookedatmyuncle,andmyunclelookedattheman.Themanwasterriblescaredofmyuncle,andmyunclewasterriblescaredof—
(NowSCREAM!)
·“WHATDOYOUCOMEFOR?”·
Therewasanoldwomanwholivedallbyherself,andshewasverylonely.Sittinginthekitchenonenight,shesaid,“Oh,IwishIhadsomecompany.”
Nosoonerhadshespokenthandownthechimneytumbledtwofeetfromwhichthefleshhadrotted.Theoldwoman’seyesbulgedwithterror.
Thentwolegsdroppedtothehearthandattachedthemselvestothefeet.
Thenabodytumbleddown,thentwoarms,andaman’shead.
Astheoldwomanwatched,thepartscametogetherintoagreat,ganglingman.Themandancedaroundandaroundtheroom.Fasterandfasterhewent.Thenhestopped,andhelookedintohereyes.
“Whatdoyoucomefor?”sheaskedinasmallvoicethatshiveredandshook.
“WhatdoIcomefor?”hesaid.“Icome—forYOU!”
(Asyoushoutthelastwords,stampyourfootandjumpatsomeonenearby.)
·METIEDOUGH-TYWALKER!·
Therewasahauntedhousewhereeverynightabloodyheadfelldownthechimney.Atleastthat’swhatpeoplesaid.Sonobodywouldstaythereovernight.
Thenarichmanofferedtwohundreddollarstowhoeverwoulddoit.Andthisboysaidhewouldtryifhecouldhavehisdogwithhim.Soitwasallsettled.
Theverynextnighttheboywenttothehousewithhisdog.Tomakeitmorecheerful,hestartedafireinthefireplace.Thenhesatinfrontofthefire.andwaited,andhisdogwaitedwithhim.
Forawhilenothinghappened.Butalittleaftermidnightheheardsomeonesingingsoftlyoffinthewoods.Thesingingsoundedsomethinglikethis:
“Metiedough-tywalker!”
“It’sjustsomebodysinging,”theboytoldhimself,buthewasfrightened.Thenhisdogansweredthesong!Softlyandsadly,itsang:
“Lyncheekinchycollymollydingodingo!”
Theboycouldnotbelievehisears.Hisdoghadneverutteredawordbefore.Thenafewminuteslater,heheardthesingingagain.Nowitwascloser.andlouder,butthewordswerethesame:
“Metiedough-tywalker!”
Thistimetheboytriedtostophisdogfromanswering.Hewasafraidthatwhoeverwassingingwouldhearitandcomeforthem.Buthisdogpaidnoattention,andagainitsang:
“Lyncheekinchycollymollydingodingo!”
Ahalf-hourlatertheboyheardthesingingagain.Nowitwasinthebackyard,andthesongwasthesame.
“Metiedough-tywalker!”
Againtheboytriedtokeephisdogquiet.Butthedogsangoutlouderthenever:
“Lyncheekinchycollymollydingodingo!”
Soontheboyheardthesingingagain.Nowitwascomingdownthechimney:
“Metiedough-tywalker!”
Thedogsangrightback:
“Lyncheekinchycollymollydingodingo!”
Suddenlyabloodyheadfelloutofthechimney.Itmissedthefireandlandedrightnexttothedog.Thedogtookonelookatitandkeelover–deadfromfright.Theheadturnedandstaredattheboyandslowlyitopeneditsmouthand—
(Turntooneofyourfriendsandscream:)
“AAAAAAAAAAAH!”
·AMANWHOLIVEDINLEEDS·
Somesaythisrhymedoesn’tmeananything.Othersarenotsosure.
TherewasamanwholivedinLeeds;Hefilledhisgardenfullofseeds.Andwhentheseedsbegantogrow,Itwaslikeagardenfilledwithsnow.Butwhenthesnowbegantomelt,Itwaslikeashipwithoutabelt.Andwhentheshipbegantosail,Itwaslikeabirdwithoutatail.Andwhenthebirdbegantofly,Itwaslikeaneagleinthesky.Andwhentheskybegantoroar,Itwaslikealionatmydoor.(Nowdropyourvoice.)Andwhenthedoorbegantocrack,Itwaslikeapenknifeinmyback,Andwhenmybackbegantobleed—(Turnoutanylights.)Iwasdead,dead,deadindeed!(Jumpatyourfriendsandscream:)“AAAAAAAAAAAH!”
·OLDWOMANALLSKINANDBONE·
TherewasanoldwomanallskinandboneWholivednearthegraveyardallalone.O-o-o-o-o-o!Shethoughtshe’dgotochurchonedayToheartheparsonpreachandpray.O-o-o-o-o-o!Andwhenshecametothechurch-housestileShethoughtshestopandrestawhile.O-o-o-o-o-o!ShecameuptothedoorShethoughtshe’dstopandrestsomemore.O-o-o-o-o-o!ButwhensheturnedandlookedaroundShesawacorpseupontheground.O-o-o-o-o-o!FromitsnosedowntoitschinThewormscrawledout,andthewormscrawledin.O-o-o-o-o-o!Thewomantothepreachersaid,“ShallIlooklikethatwhenIamdead?”O-o-o-o-o-o!Thepreachertothewomansaid,“Youshalllooklikethatwhenyouaredead!”(Nowscream:)“AAAAAAAAAAAH!”
HeHeardFootstepsComingUptheCellarStairs…
Thereareghostsinthischapter.Onecomesbackasarealperson.Anothertakesrevengeonhermurderer.Andthereareotherstrangehappenings.
TedMartinandSamMillerweregoodfriends.Theyspentalotoftimetogether.Onthisparticularnighttheyweresittingonafencenearthepostofficetalkingaboutonethingandanother.
Therewasafieldofturnipsacrosstheroad.Suddenlytheysawsomethingcrawloutofthefieldandstandup.Itlookedlikeaman,butinthedarkitwashardtotellforsure.Thenitwasgone.
Butsoonitappearedagain.Itwalkedhalfwayacrosstheroad,thenitturnedaroundandwentbackintothefield.
Thenitcameoutathirdtimeandstartedtowardthem.BynowTedandSamwerescared,andtheystartedrunning.Butwhentheyfinallystopped,theydecidedtheywerebeingfoolish.Theyweren’tsurewhathadscaredthem.Sotheydecidedtogobackandgetabetterlook.
Prettysoontheysawit,foritwascomingtomeetthem.Itwaswearingblackpants,awhiteshirt,andblacksuspenders.
Samsaid,“I’mgoingtotrytotouchit.Thenwe’llknowifit’sreal.”
Hewalkeduptoitandpeeredintoitsface.Ithadbrightpenetratingeyessunkdeepinitshead.Itlookedlikeaskeleton.
Tedtookonelookandscreamed,andagainheandSamran,butthistimetheskeletonfollowedthem.WhentheygottoTed’shouse,theystoodinthedoorwayandwatchedit.Itstayedoutintheroadforawhile.Thenitdisappeared.
AyearlaterTedgotsickanddied.Towardtheend,Samsatupwithhimeverynight.ThenightTeddied,Samsaidhelookedjustliketheskeleton.
·COLDASCLAY·
Afarmerhadadaughterforwhomhecaredmorethananythingonearth.ShefellinlovewithafarmhandnamedJim,butthefarmerdidnotthinkJimwasgoodenoughforhisdaughter.Tokeepthemapart,hesenthertolivewithheruncleontheothersideofthecountry.
Soonaftersheleft,Jimgotsick,andhewastedawayanddied.Everyonesaidhediedofabrokenheart.ThefarmerfeltsoguiltyaboutJim’sdeath,hecouldnottellhisdaughterwhathadhappened.ShecontinuedtothinkaboutJimandthelifetheymighthavehadtogether.
Onenightmanyweekslatertherewasaknockonheruncle’sdoor.Whenthegirlopenedthedoor,Jimwasstandingthere.“Yourfatheraskedmetogetyou,”hesaid.“Icameonhisbesthorse.”
Shepackedafewthings,andtheyleft.Sherodebehindhim,clingingtohiswaist.Soonhecomplainedofaheadache.“Itachessomethingterrible,”hetoldher.Sheputherhandonhisforehead.“Why,youareascoldasclay,”shesaid.“Ihopeyouarenotill,”andshewrappedherhandkerchiefaroundhishead.
Theytraveledsoswiftlythatinafewhourstheyreachedthefarm.Thegirlquicklydismountedandknockedonthedoor.Herfatherwasstartledtoseeher.“Didn’tyousendforme?”sheasked.
“No,Ididn’t,”hesaid.
SheturnedtoJim,buthewasgoneandsowasthehorse.Theywenttothestabletolookforthem.Thehorsewasthere.Itwascoveredwithsweatandtremblingwithfear.ButtherewasnosignofJim.
Terrified,herfathertoldherthetruthaboutJim’sdeath.ThenquicklyhewenttoseeJim’sparents.Theydecidedtoopenhisgrave.Thecorpsewasinitscoffin.Butarounditsheadtheyfoundthegirl’shandkerchief.
·THEWHITEWOLF·
ThetimberwolvesaroundFrenchCreekhadgottenoutofhand.Thereweresomanywolves,thefarmerscouldnotstopthemfromkillingtheircattleandsheep.Sothestateputabountyonthem.Itwouldpayahuntertendollarsforeverywolfpeltheturnedin.
AbutcherintownnamedBillWilliamsthoughtthatwasprettygoodmoney.Hestoppedworkingasabutcherandstartedkillingwolves.Hewasgoodatit.Everyyearhekilledover500hundredofthem.Thatcametomorethenfivethousanddollars.Itwasquiteabitofmoneyinthosedays.
Afterfourorfiveyears,Billhadkilledsomanywolves,therewerehardlyanyleftinthatarea.Soheretired,andhevowednevertoharmanotherwolfbecausewolveshadmadehimrich.
Thenonedayafarmerreportedthatawhitewolfhadkilledtwoofhissheep.Hehadshotatitandhitit,butbulletsdidn’thaveanyeffect.Soonthatwolfwasseenalloverthecountryside,killingandrunning.Butnobodycouldstopit.
OnenightitcameintoBill’syardandkilledhispetcow.Billforgotabouthisdecisionnevertoharmanotherwolf.Hewentintotownthenextmorningandboughtayounglambforbait.Hetookitoutintothehillsandtiedittoatree.Thenhebackedoffaboutfiftyyardsandsatdownunderanothertree.Withhisguninhislap,hewaited.
WhenBilldidn’tcomeback,hisfriendsstartedlookingforhim.Finallytheyfoundthelamb.Itwasstilltiedtoatree.Itwashungry,butitwasalive.ThentheyfoundBill.Hewasstillsittingagainsttheothertree,buthewasdead.Histhroathadbeentornopen.
Therewasnosignofastruggle.Hisgunhadn’tbeenfired.Therewerenotracksinthesoilaroundhim.Asforthewhitewolf,itwasneverseenagain.
·THEHAUNTEDHOUSE·
Onetimeapreacherwenttoseeifhecouldputahaunttorestatahouseinhissettlement.Thehousehadbeenhauntedforabouttenyears.Severalpeoplehadtriedtostaythereallnight,buttheyalwayswouldgetscaredoutbythehaunt.
Sothispreachertookhisbibleandwenttothehouse—wentonin,builthimselfagoodfire,andlitalamp.Sattherereadingthebible.Thenjustbeforemidnightheheardsomethingstartupthecellar—walkingbackandforth,backandforth.Thenitsoundedlikesomebodywastryingtoscreamandgotchokedoff.Thentherewasalotofthrashingaroundandstruggling,Andfinallyeverythinggotquiet.
Theoldpreachertookuphisbibleagain,butbeforehecouldstartreading,heheardfootstepscomingupthecellarstairs.Hesatwatchingthedoortothecellar,andthefootstepskeptcomingcloserandcloser.Hesawthedoorknobturn,andwhenthedoorbegantoopen,hejumpedupandhollered,“Whatdoyouwant?”
Thedoorshutbackeasy–like,andtherewasn’tasound.Thepreacherwastremblingalittle,buthefinallyopenedtheBibleandreadawhile.Thenhegotupandlaidthebookonthechairandwenttomendingthefire.
Thenthehauntstartedwalkingagainand–step!–step!–step!–upthecellarstairs.Theoldpreachersatwatchingthedoor,sawthedoorknobturnandthedooropen.Itlookedlikeayoungwoman.Hebackedupandsaid,“Whoareyou?Whatdoyouwant?”
Thehauntsortofswayedlikeshedidn’tknowwhattodo—thenshejustfadedout.Theoldpreacherwaited,waited,andwhenhedidn’thearanymorenoises,hewentoverandshutthedoor.Hewassweatingandtremblingallover,buthe
wasabravemanandhethoughthe’dbeabletoseeitthrough.Soheturnedhischairtowherehecouldwatch,andhesatdownandwaited.
Itwasn’tlongbeforeheheardthehauntstartupagain,Slowly–step!–step!–step!–step!–closer,andcloser–step!–step!–anditwasrightatthedoor.
ThepreacherstoodupandheldouthisBibleoutinfrontofhim.Thentheknobslowlyturned,andthedooropenedwide.Thistimethepreacherspokequiet–like.Hesaid,“InthenameoftheFather,theSon,andtheHolyGhost–whoareyouandwhatdoyouwant?”
Thehauntcamerightacrosstheroom,straighttohim,andtookholdofhiscoat.Itwasayoungwomanabouttwentyyearsold.Herhairwastornandtangled,andthefleshwasdroppingoffherfacesohecouldseethebonesandpartofherteeth.Shehadnoeyeballs,buttherewasasortofbluelightwaybackinhereyesockets.Andshehadnonosetoherface.
Thenshestartedtalking.Itsoundedlikehervoicewascomingandgoingwiththewindblowingit.Shetoldhowherloverhadkilledherforhermoneyandburiedherinthecellar.Shesaidifthepreacherwoulddigupherbonesandburyherproperly,shecouldrest.
Thenshetoldhimtotaketheendjointofthelittlefingerfromherlefthand,andtolayitinthecollectionplateatthenextchurchmeeting–andhe’dfindoutwhohadmurderedher.
Andshesaid,“Ifyoucomebackhereoncemoreafterthat–you’llhearmyvoiceatmidnight,andI’lltellyouwheremymoneyishid,andyoucangiveittothechurch.”
Thehauntsobbedlikeshewastied,andshesunkdowntowardthefloorandwasgone.Thepreacherfoundherbonesandburiedtheminthegraveyard.
ThenextSundaythepreacherputthefingerboneinthecollectionplate,andwhenacertainmanhappenedtotouchit,itstucktohishand.Themanjumpedupandrubbedandscrapedandtoreatthebone,tryingtogetitoff.Thenhewenttoscreaming,likehewasgoingcrazy.Well,heconfessedtothemurder,andtheytookhimontojail.
Afterthemanwashung,thepreacherwentbacktothathouseonemidnight,andthehaunt’svoicetoldhimtodigunderthehearthrock.Hedid.Andhefoundabigsackofmoney.Andwherethathaunthadheldontohiscoat,theprintofthosebonyfingerswasburnedrightintothecloth.Itneverdidcomeout.
·THEGUESTS·
Ayoungmanandhiswifewereonatriptovisithismother.Usuallytheyarrivedintimeforsupper.Buttheyhadgottenalatestart,andnowitwasgettingdark.Sotheydecidedtolookforaplacetostayovernightandgooninthemorning.
Justofftheroad,theysawasmallhouseinthewoods.“Maybetheyrentrooms,”thewifesaid.Sotheystoppedtoask.
Anelderlymanandwomancametothedoor.Theydidn’trentrooms,theysaid.Buttheywouldbegladtohavethemstayovernightastheirguests.Theyhadplentyofroom,andtheywouldenjoythecompany.
Theoldwomanmadecoffeeandbroughtoutsomecake,andthefourofthemtalkedforawhile.Thentheyoungcoupleweretakentotheirroom.Theyagainexplainedthattheywantedtopayforthis,buttheoldmansaidhewouldnotacceptanymoney.
Theyoungcouplegotupearlythenextmorningbeforetheirhostshadawakened.Onatablenearthefrontdoor,theyleftanenvelopewithsomemoneyinitfortheroom.Thentheywentontothenexttown.
Theystoppedinarestaurantandhadbreakfast.Whentheytoldtheownerwheretheyhadstayed,hewasshocked.
“Thatcan’tbe,”hesaid.“Thathouseburnedtothegroundandthemanandthewomanwholivedtherediedinthefire.”
Theyoungcouplecouldnotbelieveit.SotheywentbackthehouseOnlynowtherewasnohouse.Alltheyfoundwasaburned-outshell.Theystoodstaringattheruinstryingtounderstandwhathadhappened.Thenthewomanscreamed.Intherubblewasabadlyburnedtable,liketheonetheyhadseenbythefrontdoor.Onthetablewastheenvelopetheyhadleftthatmorning.
TheyEatYourEyes,TheyEatYourNose
Therearescarystoriesaboutallkindsofthings.Theonestoldhereareaboutagrave,awitch,amanwholikedtoswim,ahuntingtrip,andamarketbasket.Thereisalsooneaboutwormseatingacorpse—yourcorpse.
·THEHEARSESONG·
Doyoueverthink,asthehearsegoesby,Thatyoumaybethenexttodie?TheywrapyouupinalongwhitesheetFromyourheaddowntoyourfeet.Theyputyouinabigblackboxandcoveryouoverwithdirtandrocks.Andallgoeswellforaboutaweek,Andthenthecoffinbeginstoleak.Thewormscrawlin,thewormscrawlout,Thewormsplaypinochleonyoursnout.Theyeatyoureyes,theyeatyournose,Theyeatthejellybetweenyourtoes.AgreatbigwormwithrollingeyesCrawlsinyourstomachandoutyoureyesYourstomachturnsaslimygreen,Andpuspoursoutlikewhippingcream.Youspreaditonasliceofbread,andthat’swhatyoueatwhenyouaredead.
·THEGIRLWHOSTOODONAGRAVE·
Someboysandgirlswereatapartyonenight.Therewasagraveyarddownthestreet,andtheyweretalkingabouthowscaryitwas.
“Don’teverstandonagraveafterdark,”oneoftheboyssaid.“Thepersoninsidewillgrabyou.He’llpullyouunder.”
“That’snottrue,”oneofthegirlssaid.“It’sjustasuperstition.”
“I’llgiveyouadollarifyoustandonagrave,”saidtheboy.
“Agravedoesn’tscareme,”saidthegirl.“I’lldoitrightnow.”
Theboyhandedherhisknife.“Stickthisknifeinoneofthegraves,”hesaid.“Thenwe’llknowyouwerethere.”
Thegraveyardwasfilledwithshadowsandwasasquietasdeath.“Thereisnothingtobescaredof,”thegirltoldherself,butshewasscaredanyway.
Shepickedoutagraveandstoodonit.Thenquicklyshebentoverandplungedtheknifeintothesoil,andshestartedtoleave.Butshecouldn’tgetaway.Somethingwasholdingherback!Shetriedasecondtimetoleave,butshecouldn’tmove.Shewasfilledwithterror.
“Somethinghasgotme!”shescreamed,andfelltotheground.
Whenshedidn’tcomeback,theotherswenttolookforher.Theyfoundherbodysprawledacrossthegrave.Withoutrealizingit,shehadplungedtheknifethroughherskirtandhadpinnedittotheground.Itwasonlytheknifethatheldher.Shehaddiedoffright.
·ANEWHORSE·
Twofarmhandssharedaroom.Afterawhile,theonewhosleptnearthedoorbegantofeelverytiredearlyintheday.Hisfriendaskedwhatwaswrong.
“Anawfulthinghappenseverynight,”hesaid.“Awitchturnsmeintoahorseandridesmealloverthecountryside.”
“I’llsleepinyourbedtonight,”hisfriendsaid.“We’llseewhathappenstome.”
Aboutmidnightanoldwomanwholivednearbycameintotheroom.Shemumbledsomestrangewordsoverthefarmhand,andhefoundhecouldn’tmove.Thensheslippedabridleonhim,andheturnedintoahorse.
Thenextthingheknew,shewasridinghimacrossthefieldsatbreakneckspeed,beatinghimtomakehimgoevenfaster.Soontheycametoahousewhereapartywasgoingon.Shehitchedhimtoafenceandwentin.
Whileshewasgone,thefarmhandrubbedagainstthefenceuntilthebridlecameoff,andheturnedbackintoahuman.
Thenhewentintothehouseandfoundthewitch.Hespokethosestrangewordsoverher,andwiththebridleheturnedherintoahorse.Thenherodehertoablacksmithandhadherfittedwithhorseshoes.Afterthat,herodehertothefarmwhereshelived.
“Ihaveaprettygoodfillyhere,”hetoldherhusband,
“butIneedastrongerhorse.Wouldyouliketotrade?”
Theoldmanlookedherover,andsaidhewoulddoit.Thefarmhandpickedoutanotherhorseandrodeaway.
Herhusbandledhisnewhorsetothebarn.Hetookoffthebridleandwenttohangitup.Butwhenhecameback,thenewhorsewasgone.Instead,therestoodhiswifewithhorseshoesnailedtoherhandsandfeet.
·ALLIGATORS·
Ayoungwomanintownmarriedamanfromanotherpartofthecountry.Hewasanicefellow,andtheygotalongprettywelltogether.Therewasonlyoneproblem.Everynighthe’dgoswimmingintheriver.Sometimeshewouldbegoneallnightlong,andshewouldcomplainabouthowlonelyshewas.
Thiscouplehadtwoyoungsons.Assoonastheboyscouldwalk,theirfatherbegantoteachthemhowtoswim.Andwhentheygottobeoldenough,hetookthemswimmingintheriveratnight.Oftentheywouldstaythereallnightlong,andtheyoungwomanwouldstayhomeallbyherself.
Afterawhile,shebegantoactinastrangeway—atleast,thatiswhattheneighborssaid.Shetoldthemthatherhusbandwasturningintoanalligator,andthathewastryingtoturntheboysintoalligators.
Everybodytoldhertherewasnothingwrongwithamantakinghissonsswimming.Thatwasanaturalthingtodo.Andwhenitcametoalligators,therejustweren’tanynearby.Everybodyknewthat.
Earlyonemorningtheyoungwomancamerunningintotownfromthedirectionoftheriver.Shewassoakingwet.Shesaidabigalligatorandtwoalligatorshadpulledherinandhadtriedtogethertoeatarawfish.Theywereherhusbandandhersons,shesaid,andtheywantedhertolivewiththem.Butshehadgottenaway.
Herdoctorhaddecidedshehadlosthermind,andhadherputinthehospitalforawhile.Afterthatnobodysawherhusbandandtheboysagain.Theyjustdisappeared.ButnowandthenafishermanwouldtellaboutseeingalligatorsIntheriveratnight.Usuallyitwasonebigalligatorandtwosmallones.
Butpeoplesaidtheywerejustmakingitup.Everybodyknowstherearen’tanyalligatorsaroundhere.
·ROOMFORONEMORE·
AmannamedJosephBlackwellcametoPhiladelphiaonabusinesstrip.Hestayedwithfriendsinthebighousetheyownedoutsidethecity.Thatnighttheyhadagoodtimevisiting.ButwhenBlackwellwenttobed,hetossedandturnedandcouldn’tsleep.
Sometimeduringthenightheheardacarturnintothedriveway.Hewenttothewindowtoseewhowasarrivingatsuchalatehour.Inthemoonlight,hesawalong,blackhearsefilledwithpeople.
Thedriverofthehearselookedupathim.WhenBlackwellsawhisqueer,hideousface,heshuddered.Thedrivercalledtohim,“Thereisroomforonemore.”Thenhewaitedforaminuteortwo,andhedroveoff.
InthemorningBlackwelltoldhisfriendswhathadhappened.“Youweredreaming,”theysaid.
“Imusthavebeen,”hesaid,“butitdidn’tseemlikeadream.”
AfterbreakfasthewentintoPhiladelphia.Hespentthedayhighabovethecityinoneofthenewofficebuildingsthere.
Lateintheafternoonhewaswaitingforanelevatortotakehimbackdowntothestreet.Butwhenitarrived,itwasverycrowded.Oneofthepassengerslookedoutandcalledtohim.“Thereisroomforonemore,”hesaid.Itwasthedriverofthehearse.
“No,thanks,”saidBlackwell.“I’llgetthenextone.”
Thedoorsclosed,andtheelevatorstarteddown.Therewasshriekingandscreaming,thenthesoundofacrash.Theelevatorhadfallentothebottomoftheshaft.Everyoneaboardwaskilled.
·THEWENDIGO·
AwealthymanwantedtogohuntinginapartofnorthernCanadawherefewpeoplehadeverhunted.Hetraveledtoatradingpostandtriedtofindaguidetotakehim.Butnoonewoulddoit.Itwastoodangerous,theysaid.
Finally,hefoundanIndianwhoneededmoneybadly,andheagreedtotakehim.TheIndian’snamewasDéFago.
Theymadecampinthesnownearalargefrozenlake.Forthreedaystheyhunted,buttheyhadnothingtoshowforit.Thethirdnightawindstormcameup.Theylayintheirtentlisteningtothewindhowlingandthetreeswhippingbackandforth.
Toseethestormbetter,thehunteropenedthetentflap.Whathesawstartledhim.Therewasn’tabreathofairstirring,andthetreeswerestandingperfectlystill.Yethecouldhearthewindhowling.Andthemorehelistened,themoreitsoundedasifitwerecallingDéFago’sname.
“Da-faaaaaaaaay-go!”itcalled.“Da-faaaaaaaaay-go!”
“Imustbelosingmymind,”thehunterthought.
ButDéFagohadgottenoutofhissleepingbag.Hewashuddledinacornerofthetent,hisheadburiedinhisarms.
“What’sthisallabout?”thehunterasked.
“It’snothing,”DéFagosaid.
Butthewindcontinuedtocalltohim.AndDéFagobecamemoretenseandmorerestless.
“Da-Faaaaaaaaay-go!”itcalled.“Da-faaaaaaaaay-go!”
Suddenly,hejumpedtohisfeet,andhebegantorunfromthetent.Butthehuntergrabbedhimandwrestledhimtotheground.
“Youcan’tleavemeouthere,”thehungershouted.
Thenthewindcalledagain,andDéFagobrokelooseandranintothedarkness.Thehuntercouldhearhimscreamingashewent.Againandagainhecried,“Oh,myfieryfeet,myburningfeetoffire…”Thenhisvoicefadedaway,andthewinddieddown.
Atdaybreak,thehunterfollowedDéFago’stracksinthesnow.Theywentthroughthewoods,downtowardthelake,thenoutontotheice.
Butsoonhenoticedsomethingstrange.ThestepsDéFagohadtakengotlongerandlonger.Theyweresolongnohumanbeingcouldhavetakenthem.Itwasasifsomethinghadhelpedhimtohurryaway.
Thehunterfollowedthetracksouttothemiddleofthelake,buttheretheydisappeared.Atfirst,hethoughtthatDéFagohadfallenthroughtheice,buttherewasn’tanyhole.Thenhethoughtthatsomethinghadpulledhimofftheiceintothesky.Butthatmadenosense.
Ashestoodwonderingwhathadhappened,thewindpickedupagain.Soonitwashowlingasithadthenightbefore.ThenheheardDéFago’svoice.Itwascomingfromupabove,andagainheheardDéFagoscreaming,“…Myfieryfeet,myburningfeet…”Buttherewasnothingtobeseen.
Nowthehunterwantedtoleavethatplaceasfastashecould.Hewentbacktocampandpacked.ThenheleftsomefoodforDéFago,andhestartedout.Weekslaterhereachedcivilization.
Thefollowingyearhewentbacktohuntinthatareaagain.Hewenttothesametradingposttolookforaguide.ThepeopletherecouldnotexplainwhathadhappenedtoDéFagothatnight.Buttheyhadnotseenhimsincethen.
“MaybeitwastheWendigo,”oneofthemsaid,andhelaughed.“It’ssupposedtocomewiththewind.Itdragsyoualongatgreatspeeduntilyourfeetareburnedaway,andmoreofyouthanthat.Thenitcarriesyouintothesky,anditdropsyou.It’sjustacrazystory,butthat’swhatsomeoftheIndianssay.”
Afewdayslaterthehunterwasatthetradingpostagain.AnIndiancameinandsatbythefire.Hehadablanketwrappedaroundhim,andheworehishatsothatyoucouldn’tseehisface.Thehunterthoughttherewassomethingfamiliarabouthim.
Hewalkedoverandheasked,“AreyouDéFago?”TheIndiandidn’tanswer.
“Doyouknowanythingabouthim?”Noanswer.
Hebegantowonderifsomethingwaswrong,ifthemanneededhelp.Buthecouldn’tseehisface.
“Areyouallright?”heasked.
Noanswer.
Togetalookathim,heliftedtheIndian’shat.Thenhescreamed.Therewasnothingunderthehatbutapileofashes.
ThisscarystoryisascarygamethatpeopleplayatHallowe'en.Butitcanbeplayedwheneverthespiritmovesyou.
Theplayerssitinacircleinadarkenedroomandlistentoastorytellerdescribetherottingremainsofacorpse.Eachpartispassedaroundforthemtofeel.
Inoneversion,aplayerisoutifheorshescreamsorgaspswithfright.Inanotherversion,everybodystaystotheend,nomatterhowscaredtheyget.
Hereisthestory:
OnceinthistowntherelivedamannamedBrown.Itwasyearsago,onthisnight,thathewasmurderedoutofspite.
Wehaveherehisremains.
First,let'sfeelhisbrains.(Awet,squishytomato)
Nowherearehiseyes,stillfrozenwithsurprise.(Twopeeledgrapes)
Thisishisnose.(Achickenbone)
Hereishisear.(Adriedapricot)
Andhereishishand,rottingfleshandbone.(Aclothorrubberglovefilledwithmudorice)
Buthishairstillgrows.(Ahandfulofcornsilkorwetfuroryarn)
Andhisheartstillbeats,nowandthen.(Apieceofrawliver)
Andhisbloodstillflows.Dipyourfingersinit.It'sniceandwarm.(Abowlofcatsupthinnedwithwarmwater)
That'sallthereis,exceptfortheseworms.Theyaretheonesthatatetherestofhim.(Ahandfulofwet,cookedspaghettinoodles)
·“MAYICARRYYOURBASKET?”·
SamLewisspenttheeveningplayingchessathisfriend’shouse.Itwasaboutmidnightwhentheyfinishedtheirgame,andhestartedhome.Outsideitwasicycoldandasquietasthegrave.
Ashecamearoundaturnintheroad,hewassurprisedtoseeawomanwalkingaheadofhim.Shewascarryingabasketcoveredwithawhitecloth.Whenhecaughtuptoher,helookedtoseewhoitwas.Butshewassobundledupagainstthecold,itwashardtoseeherface.
“Goodevening,”Samsaid.“Whatbringsyououtsolate?”
Butshedidn’tanswer.
Thenhesaid,“MayIcarryyourbasket?”
Shehandedittohim.Fromunderthecloth,asmallvoicesaid,“That’sveryniceofyou,”andthatwasfollowedbywildlaughter.
Samwassostartledthathedroppedthebasket—andoutrolledawoman’shead.Helookedatthehead,andhestaredatthewoman.“It’sherhead!”hecried.Andhestartedtorun,andthewomanandherheadbegantochasehim.
Soontheheadcaughtuptohim.Itboundedintotheairandsunkitsteethintohisleftleg.Samscreamedwithpainandranfaster.
Butthewomanandherheadstayedrightbehind.Soontheheadleapedintotheairagainandbitintohisotherleg.Thentheyweregone.
OtherDangers
Mostofthescarystoriesinthisbookhavebeenpasseddownovertheyears.Buttheonesinthischapterhavebeentoldonlyinrecenttimes.Theyarestoriesthatyoungpeopleoftentellaboutdangerswefaceinourlivestoday.
·THEHOOK·
DonaldandSarahwenttothemovies.ThentheywentforarideinDonald’scar.Theyparkeduponahillattheedgeoftown.Fromtheretheycouldseethelightsupanddownthevalley.
Donaldturnedontheradioandfoundsomemusic.Butanannouncerbrokeinwithanewsbulletin.Amurdererhadescapedfromthestateprison.Hewasarmedwithaknifeandwasheadedsouthonfoot.Hislefthandwasmissing.Initsplace,heworeahook.
“Let’srollupthewindowsandlockthedoors,”saidSarah.
“That’sagoodidea,”saidDonald.
“Thatprisonisn’ttoofaraway,”saidSarah.“Maybewereallyshouldgohome.”
“Butit’sonlyteno’clock,”saidDonald.
“Idon’tcarewhattimeitis,”shesaid.“Iwanttogohome.”
“Look,Sarah,”saidDonald,“he’snotgoingtoclimballthewayuphere.Whywouldhedothat?Evenifhedid,allthedoorsarelocked.Howcouldhegetin?”
“Donald,hecouldtakethathookandbreakthroughawindowandopenadoor,”shesaid.“I’mscared.Iwanttogohome.”
Donaldwasannoyed.“Girlsalwaysareafraidofsomething,”hesaid.
Ashestartedthecar,Sarahthoughtsheheardsomeone,orsomethingscratchingatherdoor.
“Didyouhearthat?”sheaskedastheyroaredaway.“Itsoundedlikesomebodywastryingtogetin.”
“Oh,sure,”saidDonald.Soontheygottoherhouse.
“Wouldyouliketocomeinandhavesomecocoa?”sheasked.
“No,”hesaid,“I’vegottogohome.”
Hewentaroundtotheothersideofthecartoletherout.Hangingonthedoorhandlewasahook.
·THEWHITESATINEVENINGGOWN·
Ayoungmaninvitedayoungwomantoaformaldance.Butshewasverypoor,
andshecouldnotaffordtobuytheeveninggownsheneededforsuchanoccasion.
“Maybeyoucanrentadress,”hermothersaid.Soshewenttoapawnshopnotfarfromwhereshelived.Thereshefoundawhitesatineveninggowninhersize.Shelookedlovelyinit,andshewasabletorentitforverylittle.
Whenshearrivedatthedancewithherfriend,shewassoattractive,everyonewantedtomeether.Shedancedagainandagainandwashavingawonderfultime.Butthenshebegantofeeldizzyandfaint,andsheaskedherfriendtotakeherhome.“IthinkIhavedancedtoomuch,”shetoldhim.
Whenshegothome,shelaydownonherbed.Thenextmorningthemotherhadfoundthatherdaughterhaddied.Thedoctordidnotunderstandwhathadcausedherdeath,Sohehadthecoronerperformanautopsy.
Thecoronerfoundthatshehadbeenpoisonedbyembalmingfluid.Ithadstoppedherbloodfromflowing.Thereweretracesofthefluidonherdress.Hedecidedithadenteredherskinwhensheperspiredwhileshewasdancing.
Thepawnbrokersaidheboughtthedressfromanundertaker’shelper.Ithadbeenusedinafuneralforanotheryoungwoman,andthehelperhadstolenitjustbeforeshewasburied.
·HIGHBEAMS·
Thegirldrivingtheoldbluesedanwasasenioratthehighschool.Shelivedonafarmabouteightmilesawayandusedthecartodrivebackandforth.
Shehaddrivenintotownthatnighttoseeabasketballgame.Nowshewasonherwayhome.Asshepulledawayfromtheschool,shenoticedaredpick-uptruckfollowheroutoftheparkinglot.Afewminuteslaterthetruckwasstillbehindher.
“Iguesswe’regoinginthesamedirection,”shethought.
Shebegantowatchthetruckinhermirror.Whenshechangedherspeed,thedriverofthetruckchangedhisspeed.Whenshepassedacar,sodidhe.
Thenheturnedonhishighbeams,floodinghercarwithlight.Heleftthemonforalmostaminute.“Heprobablywantstopassme,”shethought.Butshewasbecominguneasy.
Usuallyshedrovehomeoverabackroad.Nottoomanypeoplewentthatway.
Butwhensheturnedontothatroad,sodidthetruck.
“I’vegottogetawayfromhim,”shethought,andshebegantodrivefaster.Thenheturnedhishighbeamsonagain.Afteraminute,heturnedthemoff.Thenheturnedthemonagainandoffagain.
Shedroveevenfaster,butthetruckdriverstayedrightbehindher.Thenheturnedhishighbeamsonagain.Oncemorehercarwasablazewithlight.“Whatishedoing?”shewondered.“Whatdoeshewant?”Thenheturnedthemoffagain.Butaminutelaterhehadthemonagain,andheleftthemon.
Atlastshepulledintoherdriveway,andthetruckpulledinrightbehindher.Shejumpedfromthecarandrantothehouse.“Callthepolice!”shescreamedatherfather.Outinthedrivewayshecouldseethedriverofthetruck.Hehadaguninhishand.
Whenthepolicearrived,theystartedtoarresthim,buthepointedtothegirl’scar.“Youdon’twantme,”hesaid.“Youwanthim.”
Crouchedbehindthedriver’sseat,therewasamanwithaknife.
Asthedriverofthetruckexplainedit,themanslippedintothegirl’scarjustbeforeshelefttheschool.Hesawithappen,buttherewasnowayhecouldstopit.Hethoughtaboutgettingthepolice,buthewasafraidtoleaveher.Sohefollowedhercar.
Eachtimethemaninthebackseatreacheduptooverpowerher,thedriverofthetruckturnedonhishighbeams.Thenthemandroppeddown,afraidthatsomeonemightseehim.
·THEBABYSITTER·
Itwasnineo’clockintheevening.EverybodywassittingonthecouchinfrontoftheTV.TherewereRichard,Brian,Jenny,andDoreen,thebabysitter.
Thetelephonerang.
“Maybeit’syourmother,”saidDoreen.Shepickedupthephone.Beforeshecouldsayaword,amanlaughedhystericallyandhungup.
“Whowasit?”askedRichard.
“Somenut,”saidDoreen.“WhatdidImiss?”
Atnine-thirtythetelephonerangagain.Doreenansweredit.Itwasthemanwho
hadcalledbefore.“I’llbetheresoon,”hesaid,andhelaughedandhungup.
“Whowasit?”thechildrenasked.
“Somecrazyperson,”shesaid.
Aboutteno’clockthetelephonerangagain.Jennygottoitfirst.
“Hello,”shesaid.
Itwasthesameman.“Onemorehour,”hesaid,andhelaughedandhungup.
“Hesaid,‘Onemorehour.’Whatdidhemean?”askedJenny.
“Don’tworry,”saidDoreen.“It’ssomebodyfoolingaround.”
“I’mscared,”saidJenny.
Aboutten-thirtythetelephonerangoncemore.WhenDoreenpickeditup,themansaid,“Prettysoonnow,”andhelaughed.
“Whyareyoudoingthis?”Doreenscreamed,andhehungup.
“Wasitthatguyagain?”askedBrian.
“Yes,”saidDoreen.“I’mgoingtocalltheoperatorandcomplain.”
Theoperatortoldhertocallbackifithappenedagain,andshewouldtrytotracethecall.
Ateleveno’clockthetelephonerangagain.Doreenansweredit.“Verysoonnow,”themansaid,andhelaughedandhungup.
Doreencalledtheoperator.Almostatonceshecalledback.“Thatpersoniscallingfromatelephoneupstairs,”shesaid.“You’dbetterleave.I’llgetthepolice.”
Justthenadoorupstairsopened.Amantheyhadneverseenbeforestarteddownthestairstowardthem.Astheyranfromthehouse,hewassmilinginaverystrangeway.Afewminuteslater,thepolicefoundhimthereandarrestedhim.
“Aaaaaaaaaaah!”
Thischapterhasthesametitleasthefirstchapter.Butthestoriesinthefirstchapteraremeanttoscareyou.Theonesinthischapteraremeanttomakeyoulaugh.
·THEVIPER·
Awidowlivedaloneonthetopfloorofanapartmenthouse.Onemorninghertelephonerang.
“Hello,”shesaid.
“Thisistheviper,”amansaid.“I’mcomingup.”
“Somebodyisfoolingaround,”shethought,andhungup.
Ahalf-hourlaterthetelephonerangagain.Itwasthesameman.
“It’stheviper,”hesaid.“I’llbeupsoon.”
Thewidowdidn’tknowwhattothink,butshewasgettingfrightened.
Oncemorethetelephonerang.Againitwastheviper.
“I’mcomingupnow,”hesaid.
Shequicklycalledthepolice.Theysaidtheywouldberightover.Whenthedoorbellrang,shesighedwithrelief.“Theyarehere!”shethought.
Butwhensheopenedthedoor,therestoodalittleoldmanwithabucketanda
cloth.“Iamtheviper,”hesaid.“Ivishtovashandvipethevindows.”
·THEATTIC·
AmannamedRupertlivedwithhisdoginahousedeepinthewoods.Rupertwasahunterandatrapper.ThedogwasabigGermanshepherdnamedSam.RuperthadraisedSamfromapup.
AlmosteverymorningRupertwenthunting,andSamstayedbehindandguardedthehouse.Onemorning,asRupertwascheckinghistraps,hegotthefeelingthatsomethingwaswrongathome.
Hehurriedbackasfastashecould,butwhenhegottherehefoundthatSamwasmissing.Hesearchedthehouseandthewoodsnearby,butSamwasnowheretobeseen.Hecalledandhecalled,butthedogdidnotanswer.FordaysRupertlookedforSam,buthecouldfindnotraceofhim.
Finallyhegaveupandwentbacktohiswork.Butonemorningheheardsomethingmovingintheattic.Hepickeduphisgun.Thenhethought,“I’dbetterbequietaboutthis.”
Sohetookoffhisboots.Andinhisbarefeethebegantoclimbtheatticstairs.Heslowlytookonestep—thenanother—thenanother,untilatlasthereachedtheatticdoor.
Hestoodoutsidelistening,buthedidn’thearathing.Thenheopenedthedoor,and—
“AAAAAAAAAAAH!”
(Atthispoint,thestorytellerstops,asifhehasfinished.Thenusuallysomebodywillask,“WhydidRupertscream?”
Thestorytellerreplies,“You’dscreamtooifyousteppedonanailinyourbarefeet.”)
·THESLITHERY-DEE·
·AARONKELLY’SBONES·
AaronKellywasdead.Theyboughthimacoffinandhadafuneralandburied
him.
Butthatnighthegotoutofhiscoffin,andhecamehome.Hisfamilywassittingaroundthefirewhenhewalkedin.
Hesatdownnexttohiswidow,andhesaid,“What’sgoingon?Youallactlikesomebodydied.Who’sdead?”
Hiswidowsaid,“Youare.”
“Idon’tfeeldead,”hesaid.“Ifeelfine.”
“Youdon’tlookfine,”hiswidowsaid.“Youlookdead.You’dbettergetbacktothegravewhereyoubelong.”
“I’mnotgoingbacktothegraveuntilIfeeldead,”hesaid.
SinceAaronwouldn’tgoback,hiswidowcouldn’tcollecthislifeinsurance.Withoutthat,shecouldn’tpayforthecoffin.Andtheundertakersaidhewouldtakeitback.
Aarondidn’tcare.Hejustsatbythefirerockinginachairandwarminghishandsandfeet.Buthisjointsweredryandhisbackwasstiff,andeverytimehemoved,hecreakedandcracked.
Onenightthebestfiddlerintowncametocourtthewidow.SinceAaronwasdead,thefiddlerwantedtomarryher.Thetwoofthemsatononesideofthefire,andAaronsatontheotherside,creakingandcracking.
“Howlongdowehavetoputupwiththisdeadcorpse?”thewidowasked.
“Somethingmustbedone,”thefiddlersaid.
“Thisisn’tveryjolly,”Aaronsaid.“Let’sdance!”
Thefiddlergotouthisfiddleandbegantoplay.Aaronstretchedhimself,shookhimself,gotup,tookasteportwo,andbegantodance.
Withhisoldbonesrattling,andhisyellowteethsnapping,andhisbaldhead
wagging,andhisarmsflip-flopping—aroundandaroundhewent.
Withhislonglegsclicking,andhiskneebonesknocking,heskippedandprancedaroundtheroom.Howthatdeadmandanced!Butprettysoonaboneworkedlooseandfelltothefloor.
“Lookatthat!”saidthefiddler.
“Playfaster!”saidthewidow.
Thefiddlerplayedfaster.
Crickety-crack,downandback,thedeadmanwenthopping,andhisdryboneskeptdropping—thisway,thatway,thepiecesjustkeptpopping.
“Play,man!Play!”criedthewidow.
Thefiddlerfiddled,anddeadAarondanced.ThenAaronfellapart,collapsedintoapileofbones—allexcepthisbaldheadbonethatgrinnedatthefiddler,crackeditsteeth—andkeptdancing.
“Lookatthat!”groanedthefiddler.
“Playlouder!”criedthewidow.
“Ho,ho!”saidtheheadbone.“Ain’twehavingfun!”
Thefiddlercouldn’tstandit.“Widow,”hesaid.“I’mgoinghome,”andhenevercameback.
ThefamilygatheredupAaron’sbonesandputthembackinthecoffin.Theymixedthemupsohecouldn’tfitthemtogether.Afterthat,Aaronstayedinhisgrave.
Buthiswidowneverdidgetmarriedagain.Aaronhadseentothat.
·WAITTILLMARTINCOMES·
Anoldmanwasoutforawalk.Whenastormcameup,helookedforaplacetotakeshelter.Soonhecametoanoldhouse.Heranupontheporchandknockedonthedoor,butnobodyanswered.
Bynowrainwaspouringdown,thunderwasbooming,andlightningwasflashing.Sohetriedthedoor.Whenhefounditwasunlocked,hewentinside.
Exceptforapileofwoodenboxes,thehousewasempty.Hebrokeupsomeoftheboxesandmadeafirewiththem.Thenhesatdowninfrontofthefireanddriedhimself.Itwassowarmandcozythathefellasleep.
Whenhewokeupablackcatwassittingnearthefire.Itstaredathimforawhile.Thenitpurred.“That’sanicecat,”hethought,andhedozedoffagain.
Whenheopenedhiseyes,therewasasecondcatintheroom.Butthisonewasasbigasawolf.Itlookedathimveryclosely,anditasked,“Shallwedoitnow?”
“No,”saidtheothercat.“Let’swaittillMartincomes.”
“Imustbedreaming,”thoughttheoldman.Heclosedhiseyesagain.Thenhetookanotherlook.Butnowtherewasathirdcatintheroom,andthisonewasasbigasatiger.Itlookedtheoldmanover,anditasked,“Shallwedoitnow?”
“No,”saidtheothers.“Let’swaittillMartincomes.”
Theoldmanjumpedup,jumpedoutthewindowandstartedrunning.“WhenMartincomes,youtellhimIcouldn’twait,”hecalled.
·THEGHOSTWITHTHEBLOODYFINGERS·
Abusinessmanarrivedatahotellateonenightandaskedforaroom.Theroomclerktoldhimthehotelwasallfilledup.“Thereisonlyoneemptyroom,”hesaid.“Butwedon’trentthatonebecauseitishaunted.”
“I’lltakeit,”saidthebusinessman“Idon’tbelieveinghosts.”
Themanwentuptotheroom.Heunpackedhisthings,andhewenttobed.Assoonashedid,aghostcameoutofthecloset.Itsfingerswerebleeding,anditwasmoaning,“Bloodyfingers!Bloodyfingers!”Whenthemansawtheghost,hegrabbedhisthingsandran.
Thenextnightawomanarrivedverylate.Again,alltheroomsweretakenexceptthehauntedroom.
“I’llsleepthere,”shesaid.“I’mnotafraidofghosts.”
Assoonasshegotintobed,theghostcameoutofthecloset.ltsfingersstillwerebleeding.Itstillwasmoaning,“Bloodyfingers!Bloodyfingers!”Andthe
womantookonelookandran.
Aweeklateranotherguestarrivedverylate.Healsotookthehauntedroom.
Afterheunpacked,hegotouthisguitarandhebegantoplay.Soontheghostappeared.Asbefore,itsfingerswerebleeding,anditwasmoaning,“Bloodyfingers!Bloodyfingers!”
Themanpaidnoattention.Hejustkeptstrumminghisguitar.Buttheghostkeptmoaning,anditsfingerskeptbleeding.
Finally,theguitarplayerlookedup.“Coolit,man!”hesaid.“GetyourselfaBand-Aid.”