"This, then," thought he, "is the _Shan-dhinne-dhuv_, or the Black
Spectre; but, be it what it may, I am strongly of opinion that it
was present at the bonfire last night, and as I am well armed, I will
unquestionably pursue it into the house. Nay, what is more, I
suspect that it is in some way or I other connected with the outlaw
_Shawn-na-Middogue_, who it was, they say, made that amazing leap over
the aforesaid bonfire in my own presence."
On that very account, however, he reflected that such an intrusion might
be attended with more danger than that to be apprehended from a ghost.
He consequently paused for some time before he could decide on following
up such a perilous resolution. While he thus stood deliberating upon
the prudence of this daring exploit, he heard a variety of noises, and
knockings, and rollings, as if of empty barrels, and rattling of chains,
all going on inside, whilst the house itself appeared to be dark and
still, without smoke from the chimneys, or light in the windows, or any
other symptom of being inhabited, unless by those who were producing the
wild and extraordinary noises he then heard.
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