262 Old Stories
was in substance repeated with every student in the plot. The result was that this stout, hearty man was overpowered by the weight of evidence. It broke him down, and ruined his health.
a ghost story
This should be told in as sepulchral tones as the teller is capable of, and a doleful groan should be put in occasionally.
There was an old woman, all skin and bones,
Who went to church to pray.
First she went half-way up the aisle,
And prayed a little while,
Then she went down to the door,
And prayed a little more;
And there she saw a ghost upon the floor.
And she asked the ghost, “Will I look like that when I am dead?”
And the ghost said, “YES!”
The final word of the story should be a sudden shout. Some say “Boo!” instead of “Yes,” and others just screech without definite words.
I give below a more elaborate version
