so worthless as scarce to bear the cost of law, and yet of no mean value to poor labouring people.  The two litigants, however, contested it with as much violence as if it had been a field of great price, and especially one, an old man, (whose thoughts should have been less set on earthly possessions, which he was soon to leave,) had so set his heart on the success of his suit, that the loss of it, a few years back, is said to have much hastened his death.  Nor, indeed, after death, if current reports are worthy of credit, does he quit his claim to it; for at night-time his apparition is seen on the moor, to the great terror of the neighbouring villagers.  A public path leads by at no great distance from the spot, and on divers occasions has the labourer, returning from his work, been frightened nigh unto lunacy by sight and sounds of a very dreadful character.  The appearance is said to be that of a man habited in black, driving a carriage drawn by headless horses.  This is, I avow, very marvellous to believe, but it has had so much credible testimony, and has gained so many believers in my parish, that some steps seem necessary to allay the excitement it causes.  I have been applied to for this purpose, and my present business is to ask your assistance in this matter, either to reassure the minds of the country people if it be only a simple terror; or, if there be truth in it, to set the troubled spirit of the man at rest.  My messenger, who is an industrious, trustworthy man, will give you more information if it be needed, for, from report, he is acquainted with most of the circumstances, and will bring back your advice and promise of assistance.

     “Not doubting of your help herein, I do with my very hearty
     commendation commit you to God’s protection and blessing, and
     am,—­Your very loving brother, ABRAHAM MILLS.”

This remarkable note was read and re-read, while the countryman sat watching its effects on the parson’s countenance, and was surprised that it changed not from its usual sedate and settled character.  Turning at length to the man, Mr Dodge inquired, “Are you, then, acquainted with my good friend Mills?”

“I should know him, sir,” replied the messenger, “having been sexton to the parish for fourteen years, and being, with my family, much beholden to the kindness of the rector.”

“You are also not without some knowledge of the circumstances related in this letter.  Have you been an eye-witness to any of those strange sights?”

“For myself, sir, I have been on the road at all hours of the night and day, and never did I see anything which I could call worse than myself.  One night my wife and I were awoke by the rattle of wheels, which was also heard by some of our neighbours, and we are all assured that it could have been no other than the black coach.  We have every day such stories told in the villages by so many creditable persons, that it would not be proper in a plain, ignorant man like me to doubt it.”