nkins's death, on the same date and about
the same hour, we were passing through the cathedral, having come
from a practice of the singers, and Master Jowett remembered some
music he had left by the side of the organ. He went up the stair
leading to the claviers and I remained below.

"Of a sudden he surprised me by rushing down, greatly affrighted,
and affirmed that he had seen Master Jenkins sitting at the organ;
whereupon I reassured him, and at length prevailed upon him to
return with me. Then, indeed, did we both actually behold Master
Jenkins, just as he had appeared in life, attired in somewhat
sad-coloured raiment, playing upon the keys from which no sound
proceeded. I was not one to be easily affrighted, and so advanced
as if to greet him, when of a sudden the figure vanished.

"We do both of us affirm the truth of this marvellous relation, and
do here append our joint signatures, having made solemn affirmation
upon oath, in the presence of Master Simpson, attorney, of this
city:

"(_Signed_) JOHN GIBSON.

"GREGORY JOWETT.

"Witnessed by me; Nicholas Simpson, Attorney-at-law, the 27th day
of April, 1687."

III.

The Doctor smiled at the perplexity which showed itself most
unmistakably in my face as I laid down the manuscript.

"Are you a believer in ghosts or apparitions?" said he.

"Theoretically but not practically," I replied. "They resolve
themselves, more or less, into a question of evidence; I would never
believe one man's word on the subject without further proof, because it
is always a fair solution of the difficulty to suppose him the victim of
a delusion. There are so many cases of mysterious appearances, however,
vouched for upon overwhelming evidence, that I am compelled to admit
their truth, at the same time believing they would be scientifically
explainable if we understood all the laws governing this world and could
more clearly distinguish between the spiritual and the material. There
is one thing usually noticeable about these appearances which, to my
mind, is very significant: they never actually do anything, they only
appear to do it and vanish away, leaving behind them no sign of their
presence."

"Are you prepared to accept that narrative as true?" said the Doctor.

"The balance of evidence compels me to accept it," I replied. "