d the
honor while alive of driving the Great Peter, or Peter the Great, in
whose service his soul, as well as body, was almost starved to death.
Such was the vehicle in which I set out, and now, those who are not
willing to travel on with me may, if they please, stop here; those who
are, must proceed to the subsequent chapters, in which this journey is
continued.

CHAPTER II

In which the author first refutes some idle opinions
concerning spirits, and then the passengers relate their
several deaths.

It is the common opinion that spirits, like owls, can see in the dark;
nay, and can then most easily be perceived by others. For which reason,
many persons of good understanding, to prevent being terrified with
such objects, usually keep a candle burning by them, that the light may
prevent their seeing. Mr. Locke, in direct opposition to this, hath not
doubted to assert that you may see a spirit in open daylight full as
well as in the darkest night.

It was very dark when we set out from the inn, nor could we see any
more than if every soul of us had been alive. We had traveled a good way
before any one offered to open his mouth; indeed, most of the company
were fast asleep, [4] but, as I could not close my own eyes, and
perceived the spirit who sat opposite to me to be likewise awake, I
began to make overtures of conversation, by complaining HOW DARK IT WAS.
"And extremely cold too," answered my fellow traveler; "though, I thank
God, as I have no body, I feel no inconvenience from it: but you will
believe, sir, that this frosty air must seem very sharp to one just
issued forth out of an oven; for such was the inflamed habitation I am
lately departed from." "How did you come to your end, sir?" said I.
"I was murdered, sir," answered the gentleman. "I am surprised then,"
replied I, "that you did not divert yourself by walking up and down and
playing some merry tricks with the murderer." "Oh, sir," returned he,
"I had not that privilege, I was lawfully put to death. In short,
a physician set me on fire, by giving me medicines to throw out my
distemper. I died of a hot regimen, as they call it, in the small-pox."

One of the spirits at that word started up and cried out, "The
small-pox! bless me! I hope I am not in company with that distemper,
which I have all my life with such caution avoided, and have so happily
escaped hitherto!" This fright set all the passengers who were awake
into a loud laugh