He found that his bare feet clung to the roof more tenaciously than the shoes had done, and success was already within his grasp, when an unforeseen mishap frustrated his plans. He had accomplished about three quarters of the ascent when all at once the string which united the shoes which he had hung round his neck gave way, and both fell with a great thump on the roof. Ben made a clutch for them in which he lost his own hold, and made a hurried descent in their company, alighting with his bare feet on some flinty gravel stones, which he found by no means agreeable. “Ow!” ejaculated Ben, limping painfully, “them plaguy gravel stones hurt like thunder. I'll move 'em away the first thing to-morrow. If that confounded shoe-string hadn't broken I'd have been in bed by this time.” Meanwhile Hannah had been sitting over the kitchen fire enjoying a social chat with a “cousin” of hers from Ireland, a young man whom she had never seen or heard of three months before. In what way he had succeeded in convincing her of the relationship I have never been able to learn, but he had managed to place himself on familiar visiting terms with the inmate of 'Squire Newcome's kitchen. “It's only me cousin, sir,” Hannah explained to the 'Squire, when he had questioned her on the subject; “he's just from Ireland, sir, and it seems like home to see him.” On the present occasion Tim Flaherty had outstayed his usual time, and was still in the kitchen when Ben reached home. They did not at first hear him, but when he made his last abortive attempt, and the shoes came clattering down, they could not help hearing. “What's that?” asked Hannah, listening attentively. She went to the door to look out, her cousin following. There was nothing to be seen. “Perhaps you was dramin' Hannah,” said Tim, “more by token, it's time we was both doin' that same, so I'll bid you good-night.” “Come again soon, Tim,” said Hannah, preparing to close the door. A new plan of entrance flashed upon Ben. He quickly put on his shoes and stockings, unfolded the sheet and prepared to enact the part of a ghost once more,--this time for the special benefit of Hannah. After fully attiring himself he came to the back door which Hannah had already locked, and tapped three times. Hannah was engaged in raking out the kitchen fire. “Sure it's Tim come back,” thought she, as she went to the door. “Perhaps he's forgotten something.” She opened the door unsuspiciously, fully expecting to see her Irish cousin standing before her. What was her terror on beholding a white-robed figure, with extended arms. “Howly virgin, defend me!” she exclaimed, in paralyzing terror, which was increased by a guttural sound which proceeded from the throat of the ghost, who at the same time waved his arms aloft, and made a step towards Hannah. Hannah, with a wild howl dropped the lamp and fed towards the sitting-room, where 'Squire Newcome was still sitting.