"'Very extraordinary, no doubt,' I answered; 'but I should hesitate before saying unaccountable. Now, there is that River Hall place up the river. There must be some rational way of explaining the appearances in that house, though no one has yet found any clue to that enigma.' "'River Hall--where is that?' he asked; then suddenly added, 'Oh! I remember now: you mean the Uninhabited House, as it is called. Yes, there is a curious story, if you like. May I ask if you are interested in any way in that matter?' "'Not in any way, except that I have been spending the evening there with a friend of mine.' "'Has he seen anything of the reputed ghost?' asked my companion, eagerly. 'Is he able to throw any light on the dark subject?' "'I don't think he can,' I replied. 'He has seen the usual appearances which I believe it is correct to see at River Hall; but so far, they have added nothing to his previous knowledge.' "'He has seen, you say?' "'Yes; all the orthodox lions of that cheerful house.' "'And still he is not daunted--he is not afraid?' "'He is not afraid. Honestly, putting ghosts entirely on one side, I should not care to be in his shoes, all alone in a lonely house.' "'And you would be right, sir,' was the answer. 'A man must be mad to run such a risk.' "'So I told him,' I agreed. "'Why, I would not stay in that house alone for any money which could be offered to me,' he went on, eagerly. "'I cannot go so far as that,' I said; 'but still it must be a very large sum which could induce me to do so.' "'It ought to be pulled down, sir,' he continued; 'the walls ought to be razed to the ground.' "'I suppose they will,' I answered, 'when Miss Elmsdale, the owner, comes of age; unless, indeed, our modern Don Quixote runs the ghost to earth before that time.' "'Did you say the young man was ill?' asked my companion. "'He has got a cold,' I answered. "'And colds are nasty things to get rid of,' he commented, 'particularly in those low-lying localities. That is a most unhealthy part; you ought to order your patient a thorough change of air.' "'I have, but he won't take advice,' was my reply. 'He has nailed his colours to the mast, and means, I believe, to stay in River Hall till he kills the ghost, or the ghost kills him.' "'What a foolish youth!' "'Undoubtedly; but, then, youth is generally foolish, and we have all our crotchets.' "We had reached the other side of the bridge by this time, and saying his road lay in an opposite direction to mine, the gentleman I have sketched told me the nearest way to take, and bade me a civil good night, adding, 'I suppose I ought to say good morning.'" "And is that all?" I asked, as Munro paused.