"'At the castle above-named, strange noises (_rumor_) were heard during the night for several years; but the origin of the same was a subject of (vain) research and speculation. After a time a new servant-wench (_mensch_), engaged in the house, whose name was Ankha (i.e. _Anna_) Wnikhlaukha, had the courage, on hearing these mysterious sounds, to address the ghost in the following manner:-- "'The 15th of January, A.D. 1684.--Firstly, at night a noise arose in the servant-wenches' room, as though some one were walking about clad in iron armour and clanking chains. The women being sorely frightened, some stable-hands were brought to sleep with them. They were struck upon the head, and one was like to die of terror. "'The 16th January.--In the evening, as the lights still burnt, a rapping was heard at the room door, but when they went to see what caused it, nothing was found. Presently those inside put out the lamps, and lay down to rest. Thereupon began a loud clatter; the two servant-wenches, Marinkha (Marian) Samanoukha and Miza (Mitza, Mary) Sayeschankha, were seized by the head, but they could distinguish no one near them.' "The whole account is strictly 'spiritualistic.' Ankha is the chosen medium, and nothing is done till she appears on the scene. The ghost will hardly answer the officious and garrulous steward; and has apparently scant respect for the reverend men who were called in. One of the latter somewhat justified the ghost's disdain by telling a decided 'fib.' The steps by which the apparition changes from hot to cold, from weariness to energy, from dark to white robes, and from loud noises to mild, are decidedly artistic. "'_On the 17th of January nothing happened._ "'On the 18th, the servant-wenches being in great fear, five others joined them. One, Hansche Juritschkno Suppan, put out the light when all lay down, locked the door, and endeavoured to sleep. Thereupon arose a dreadful noise. After it had ended, Ankha, by the advice of those present, thus bespake the ghost: "'"All good spirits, praise the Lord." "'(This is the recognized formula throughout Germany for addressing apparitions.) "'The ghost answered, "I also; so help me God, and Our Blessed Lady, and the holy Saint Anthony of Padua!" "'Anna resumed, "What wantest thou, O good spirit?" "'The ghost replied, "I want thirty _Masses_." It added, "This castle was once mine," and it disappeared. "'_On the 19th of January the ghost was present, but nothing unusual occurred._