Pioneersusedtoentertainthemselvesbytellingscarystories.Atnighttheymightgatherinsomebody’scabin,oraroundafire,andseewhocouldscaretheothersthemost.

Somegirlsandboysinmytowndothesamethingtoday.Theygettogetheratsomebody’shouse,andtheyturnoutthelightsandeatpopcorn,andscareoneanotherhalftodeath.

Tellingscarystoriesissomethingpeoplehavedoneforthousandsofyears,formostofuslikebeingscaredinthatway.Sincethereisn’tanydanger,wethinkitisfun.

Thereareagreatmanyscarystoriestotell.Thereareghoststories.Therearetalesofwitches,devils,bogeymen,zombies,andvampires.Therearetalesofmonstrouscreaturesandofotherdangers.Thereevenarestoriesthatmakeuslaughatallthisscariness.

Someofthesetalesareveryold,andtheyaretoldaroundtheworld.Andmosthavethesameorigins.Theyarebasedonthingsthatpeoplesaworheardorexperienced—orthoughttheydid.

Manyyearsagoayoungprincebecamefamousforascarystoryhestartedtotell,butdidnotfinish.HisnamewasMamillius,andheprobablywasnineortenyearsold.WilliamShakespearetoldabouthiminTheWinter’sTale.

Itwasonadarkwinter’sdaythathismother,thequeen,askedhimforastory.

“Asadtale’sbestforwinter,”hesaid.“Ihaveoneofspritesandgoblins.”

“Doyourbesttofrightenmewithyoursprites,”shesaid.“You’repowerfulatit.”

“Ishalltellitsoftly,”hesaid.“Yondcricketsshallnothearit.”

Andhebegan,“Therewasamandweltbyachurchyard.”Butthatwasasfarashegot.Foratthatmomentthekingcameinandarrestedthequeenandtookheraway.Andsoonafterthat,Mamilliusdied.Nooneknowshowhewouldhavefinishedhisstory.Ifyoustartedashedid,whatwouldyoutell?

Mostscarystoriesare,ofcourse,meanttobetold.Theyaremorescarythatway.Buthowyoutellthemisimportant.

AsMamilliusknew,thebestwayistospeaksoftly,sothatyourlistenersleanforwardtocatchyourwords,andtospeakslowly,sothatyourvoicesoundsscary.

Andthebesttimetotellthesestoriesisatnight.Inthedarkandthegloom,itis

easyforsomeonelisteningtoimagineallsortsofstrangeandscarythings.

ALVINSCHWARTZ

Princeton,NewJersey

“Aaaaaaaaaaah!”

Thischapterisfilledwith"jumpstories"youcanusetomakeyourfriendsJUMPwithfright.

·THEBIGTOE·

Aboywasdiggingattheedgeofthegardenwhenhesawabigtoe.Hetriedtopickitup,butitwasstucktosomething.Sohegaveitagoodhardjerk,anditcameoffinhishand.Thenheheardsomethinggroanandscamperaway.

Theboytookthetoeintothekitchenandshowedittohismother.“Itlooksniceandplump,”shesaid.“I’llputitinthesoup,andwe’llhaveitforsupper.”

Thatnighthisfathercarvedthetoeintothreepieces,andtheyeachhadapiece.Thentheydidthedishes,andwhenitgotdarktheywenttobed.

Theboyfellasleepalmostatonce.Butinthemiddleofthenight,asoundawakenedhim.Itwassomethingoutinthestreet.Itwasavoice,anditwascallingtohim.

“Whereismyto-o-o-o-o-e?”itgroaned.

Whentheboyheardthat,hegotveryscared.Buthethought,“Itdoesn’tknowwhereIam.Itneverwillfindme.

Thenheheardthevoiceoncemore.Onlynowitwascloser.

“Whereismyto-o-o-o-o-e?”itgroaned.

Theboypulledtheblanketsoverhisheadandclosedhiseyes.“I’llgotosleep,”hethought.“WhenIwakeupitwillbegone.”

Butsoonheheardthebackdooropen,andagainheheardthevoice.

“Whereismyto-o-o-o-o-e?”itgroaned.

Thentheboyheardfootstepsmovethroughthekitchenintothediningroom,intothelivingroom,intothefronthall.Thenslowlytheyclimbedthestairs.

Closerandclosertheycame.Soontheywereintheupstairshall.Nowtheywereoutsidehisdoor.

“Whereismyto-o-o-o-o-e?”thevoicegroaned.

Hisdooropened.Shakingwithfear,helistenedasthefootstepsslowlymovedthroughthedarktowardhisbed.Thentheystopped.

“Whereismyto-o-o-o-o-e?”thevoicegroaned.

(Atthispoint,pause.Thenjumpatthepersonnexttoyouandshout:)

“YOU’VEGOTIT!”

“TheBigToe”alsohasanotherending.

Whentheboyhearsthevoicecallingforitstoe,hefindsastrange-lookingcreatureupinsidethechimney.Theboyissofrightenedhecan’tmove.Hejuststandsthereandstaresatit.

Finallyheasks:“W-w-w-whatyougotsuchbigeyesfor?”

Andthecreatureanswers:“Tolookyouthro-o-o-ughandthro-o-o-ugh!”

“W-w-w-whatyougotsuchbigclawsfor?”

“Toscra-a-a-tchupyourgra-a-a-a-ve!”

“W-w-w-whatyougotsuchabigmouthfor?”

“Toswallowyouwho-o-o-le!”

“W-w-w-whatyougotsuchsharpteethfor?”

“TOCHOMPYOURBONES!”

(Asyougivethelastline,pounceononeofyourfriends.)

·THEWALK·

Myunclewaswalkingdownalonelydirtroadoneday.Hecameuponaman

whoalsowaswalkingdownthatroad.Themanlookedatmyuncle,andmyunclelookedattheman.Themanwasscaredofmyuncle,andmyunclewasscaredofthatman.

Buttheykeptonwalking,anditbegantogetdark.Themanlookedatmyuncle,andmyunclelookedattheman.Themanwasveryscaredofmyuncle,andmyunclewasveryscaredofthatman.

Buttheykeptonwalking,andtheycametoabigwoods.Itwasgettingdarker.Andthemanlookedatmyuncle,andmyunclelookedattheman.Themanwasreallyscaredofmyuncle,andmyunclewasreallyscaredofthatman.

Buttheykeptonwalking,anddeepdownintothewoodstheywent.Itwasgettingdarker.Andthemanlookedatmyuncle,andmyunclelookedattheman.Themanwasterriblescaredofmyuncle,andmyunclewasterriblescaredof—

(NowSCREAM!)

·“WHATDOYOUCOMEFOR?”·

Therewasanoldwomanwholivedallbyherself,andshewasverylonely.Sittinginthekitchenonenight,shesaid,“Oh,IwishIhadsomecompany.”

Nosoonerhadshespokenthandownthechimneytumbledtwofeetfromwhichthefleshhadrotted.Theoldwoman’seyesbulgedwithterror.

Thentwolegsdroppedtothehearthandattachedthemselvestothefeet.

Thenabodytumbleddown,thentwoarms,andaman’shead.

Astheoldwomanwatched,thepartscametogetherintoagreat,ganglingman.Themandancedaroundandaroundtheroom.Fasterandfasterhewent.Thenhestopped,andhelookedintohereyes.

“Whatdoyoucomefor?”sheaskedinasmallvoicethatshiveredandshook.

“WhatdoIcomefor?”hesaid.“Icome—forYOU!”

(Asyoushoutthelastwords,stampyourfootandjumpatsomeonenearby.)

·METIEDOUGH-TYWALKER!·

Therewasahauntedhousewhereeverynightabloodyheadfelldownthechimney.Atleastthat’swhatpeoplesaid.Sonobodywouldstaythereovernight.

Thenarichmanofferedtwohundreddollarstowhoeverwoulddoit.Andthisboysaidhewouldtryifhecouldhavehisdogwithhim.Soitwasallsettled.

Theverynextnighttheboywenttothehousewithhisdog.Tomakeitmorecheerful,hestartedafireinthefireplace.Thenhesatinfrontofthefire.andwaited,andhisdogwaitedwithhim.

Forawhilenothinghappened.Butalittleaftermidnightheheardsomeonesingingsoftlyoffinthewoods.Thesingingsoundedsomethinglikethis:

“Metiedough-tywalker!”

“It’sjustsomebodysinging,”theboytoldhimself,buthewasfrightened.Thenhisdogansweredthesong!Softlyandsadly,itsang:

“Lyncheekinchycollymollydingodingo!”

Theboycouldnotbelievehisears.Hisdoghadneverutteredawordbefore.Thenafewminuteslater,heheardthesingingagain.Nowitwascloser.andlouder,butthewordswerethesame:

“Metiedough-tywalker!”

Thistimetheboytriedtostophisdogfromanswering.Hewasafraidthatwhoeverwassingingwouldhearitandcomeforthem.Buthisdogpaidnoattention,andagainitsang:

“Lyncheekinchycollymollydingodingo!”

Ahalf-hourlatertheboyheardthesingingagain.Nowitwasinthebackyard,andthesongwasthesame.

“Metiedough-tywalker!”

Againtheboytriedtokeephisdogquiet.Butthedogsangoutlouderthenever:

“Lyncheekinchycollymollydingodingo!”

Soontheboyheardthesingingagain.Nowitwascomingdownthechimney:

“Metiedough-tywalker!”

Thedogsangrightback:

“Lyncheekinchycollymollydingodingo!”

Suddenlyabloodyheadfelloutofthechimney.Itmissedthefireandlandedrightnexttothedog.Thedogtookonelookatitandkeelover–deadfromfright.Theheadturnedandstaredattheboyandslowlyitopeneditsmouthand—

(Turntooneofyourfriendsandscream:)

“AAAAAAAAAAAH!”

·AMANWHOLIVEDINLEEDS·

Somesaythisrhymedoesn’tmeananything.Othersarenotsosure.

TherewasamanwholivedinLeeds;Hefilledhisgardenfullofseeds.Andwhentheseedsbegantogrow,Itwaslikeagardenfilledwithsnow.Butwhenthesnowbegantomelt,Itwaslikeashipwithoutabelt.Andwhentheshipbegantosail,Itwaslikeabirdwithoutatail.Andwhenthebirdbegantofly,Itwaslikeaneagleinthesky.Andwhentheskybegantoroar,Itwaslikealionatmydoor.(Nowdropyourvoice.)Andwhenthedoorbegantocrack,Itwaslikeapenknifeinmyback,Andwhenmybackbegantobleed—(Turnoutanylights.)Iwasdead,dead,deadindeed!(Jumpatyourfriendsandscream:)“AAAAAAAAAAAH!”

·OLDWOMANALLSKINANDBONE·

TherewasanoldwomanallskinandboneWholivednearthegraveyardallalone.O-o-o-o-o-o!Shethoughtshe’dgotochurchonedayToheartheparsonpreachandpray.O-o-o-o-o-o!Andwhenshecametothechurch-housestileShethoughtshestopandrestawhile.O-o-o-o-o-o!ShecameuptothedoorShethoughtshe’dstopandrestsomemore.O-o-o-o-o-o!ButwhensheturnedandlookedaroundShesawacorpseupontheground.O-o-o-o-o-o!FromitsnosedowntoitschinThewormscrawledout,andthewormscrawledin.O-o-o-o-o-o!Thewomantothepreachersaid,“ShallIlooklikethatwhenIamdead?”O-o-o-o-o-o!Thepreachertothewomansaid,“Youshalllooklikethatwhenyouaredead!”(Nowscream:)“AAAAAAAAAAAH!”

HeHeardFootstepsComingUptheCellarStairs…

Thereareghostsinthischapter.Onecomesbackasarealperson.Anothertakesrevengeonhermurderer.Andthereareotherstrangehappenings.

TedMartinandSamMillerweregoodfriends.Theyspentalotoftimetogether.Onthisparticularnighttheyweresittingonafencenearthepostofficetalkingaboutonethingandanother.

Therewasafieldofturnipsacrosstheroad.Suddenlytheysawsomethingcrawloutofthefieldandstandup.Itlookedlikeaman,butinthedarkitwashardtotellforsure.Thenitwasgone.

Butsoonitappearedagain.Itwalkedhalfwayacrosstheroad,thenitturnedaroundandwentbackintothefield.

Thenitcameoutathirdtimeandstartedtowardthem.BynowTedandSamwerescared,andtheystartedrunning.Butwhentheyfinallystopped,theydecidedtheywerebeingfoolish.Theyweren’tsurewhathadscaredthem.Sotheydecidedtogobackandgetabetterlook.

Prettysoontheysawit,foritwascomingtomeetthem.Itwaswearingblackpants,awhiteshirt,andblacksuspenders.

Samsaid,“I’mgoingtotrytotouchit.Thenwe’llknowifit’sreal.”

Hewalkeduptoitandpeeredintoitsface.Ithadbrightpenetratingeyessunkdeepinitshead.Itlookedlikeaskeleton.

Tedtookonelookandscreamed,andagainheandSamran,butthistimetheskeletonfollowedthem.WhentheygottoTed’shouse,theystoodinthedoorwayandwatchedit.Itstayedoutintheroadforawhile.Thenitdisappeared.

AyearlaterTedgotsickanddied.Towardtheend,Samsatupwithhimeverynight.ThenightTeddied,Samsaidhelookedjustliketheskeleton.

·COLDASCLAY·

Afarmerhadadaughterforwhomhecaredmorethananythingonearth.ShefellinlovewithafarmhandnamedJim,butthefarmerdidnotthinkJimwasgoodenoughforhisdaughter.Tokeepthemapart,hesenthertolivewithheruncleontheothersideofthecountry.

Soonaftersheleft,Jimgotsick,andhewastedawayanddied.Everyonesaidhediedofabrokenheart.ThefarmerfeltsoguiltyaboutJim’sdeath,hecouldnottellhisdaughterwhathadhappened.ShecontinuedtothinkaboutJimandthelifetheymighthavehadtogether.

Onenightmanyweekslatertherewasaknockonheruncle’sdoor.Whenthegirlopenedthedoor,Jimwasstandingthere.“Yourfatheraskedmetogetyou,”hesaid.“Icameonhisbesthorse.”

Shepackedafewthings,andtheyleft.Sherodebehindhim,clingingtohiswaist.Soonhecomplainedofaheadache.“Itachessomethingterrible,”hetoldher.Sheputherhandonhisforehead.“Why,youareascoldasclay,”shesaid.“Ihopeyouarenotill,”andshewrappedherhandkerchiefaroundhishead.

Theytraveledsoswiftlythatinafewhourstheyreachedthefarm.Thegirlquicklydismountedandknockedonthedoor.Herfatherwasstartledtoseeher.“Didn’tyousendforme?”sheasked.

“No,Ididn’t,”hesaid.

SheturnedtoJim,buthewasgoneandsowasthehorse.Theywenttothestabletolookforthem.Thehorsewasthere.Itwascoveredwithsweatandtremblingwithfear.ButtherewasnosignofJim.

Terrified,herfathertoldherthetruthaboutJim’sdeath.ThenquicklyhewenttoseeJim’sparents.Theydecidedtoopenhisgrave.Thecorpsewasinitscoffin.Butarounditsheadtheyfoundthegirl’shandkerchief.

·THEWHITEWOLF·

ThetimberwolvesaroundFrenchCreekhadgottenoutofhand.Thereweresomanywolves,thefarmerscouldnotstopthemfromkillingtheircattleandsheep.Sothestateputabountyonthem.Itwouldpayahuntertendollarsforeverywolfpeltheturnedin.

AbutcherintownnamedBillWilliamsthoughtthatwasprettygoodmoney.Hestoppedworkingasabutcherandstartedkillingwolves.Hewasgoodatit.Everyyearhekilledover500hundredofthem.Thatcametomorethenfivethousanddollars.Itwasquiteabitofmoneyinthosedays.

Afterfourorfiveyears,Billhadkilledsomanywolves,therewerehardlyanyleftinthatarea.Soheretired,andhevowednevertoharmanotherwolfbecausewolveshadmadehimrich.

Thenonedayafarmerreportedthatawhitewolfhadkilledtwoofhissheep.Hehadshotatitandhitit,butbulletsdidn’thaveanyeffect.Soonthatwolfwasseenalloverthecountryside,killingandrunning.Butnobodycouldstopit.

OnenightitcameintoBill’syardandkilledhispetcow.Billforgotabouthisdecisionnevertoharmanotherwolf.Hewentintotownthenextmorningandboughtayounglambforbait.Hetookitoutintothehillsandtiedittoatree.Thenhebackedoffaboutfiftyyardsandsatdownunderanothertree.Withhisguninhislap,hewaited.

WhenBilldidn’tcomeback,hisfriendsstartedlookingforhim.Finallytheyfoundthelamb.Itwasstilltiedtoatree.Itwashungry,butitwasalive.ThentheyfoundBill.Hewasstillsittingagainsttheothertree,buthewasdead.Histhroathadbeentornopen.

Therewasnosignofastruggle.Hisgunhadn’tbeenfired.Therewerenotracksinthesoilaroundhim.Asforthewhitewolf,itwasneverseenagain.

·THEHAUNTEDHOUSE·

Onetimeapreacherwenttoseeifhecouldputahaunttorestatahouseinhissettlement.Thehousehadbeenhauntedforabouttenyears.Severalpeoplehadtriedtostaythereallnight,buttheyalwayswouldgetscaredoutbythehaunt.

Sothispreachertookhisbibleandwenttothehouse—wentonin,builthimselfagoodfire,andlitalamp.Sattherereadingthebible.Thenjustbeforemidnightheheardsomethingstartupthecellar—walkingbackandforth,backandforth.Thenitsoundedlikesomebodywastryingtoscreamandgotchokedoff.Thentherewasalotofthrashingaroundandstruggling,Andfinallyeverythinggotquiet.

Theoldpreachertookuphisbibleagain,butbeforehecouldstartreading,heheardfootstepscomingupthecellarstairs.Hesatwatchingthedoortothecellar,andthefootstepskeptcomingcloserandcloser.Hesawthedoorknobturn,andwhenthedoorbegantoopen,hejumpedupandhollered,“Whatdoyouwant?”

Thedoorshutbackeasy–like,andtherewasn’tasound.Thepreacherwastremblingalittle,buthefinallyopenedtheBibleandreadawhile.Thenhegotupandlaidthebookonthechairandwenttomendingthefire.

Thenthehauntstartedwalkingagainand–step!–step!–step!–upthecellarstairs.Theoldpreachersatwatchingthedoor,sawthedoorknobturnandthedooropen.Itlookedlikeayoungwoman.Hebackedupandsaid,“Whoareyou?Whatdoyouwant?”

Thehauntsortofswayedlikeshedidn’tknowwhattodo—thenshejustfadedout.Theoldpreacherwaited,waited,andwhenhedidn’thearanymorenoises,hewentoverandshutthedoor.Hewassweatingandtremblingallover,buthe

wasabravemanandhethoughthe’dbeabletoseeitthrough.Soheturnedhischairtowherehecouldwatch,andhesatdownandwaited.

Itwasn’tlongbeforeheheardthehauntstartupagain,Slowly–step!–step!–step!–step!–closer,andcloser–step!–step!–anditwasrightatthedoor.

ThepreacherstoodupandheldouthisBibleoutinfrontofhim.Thentheknobslowlyturned,andthedooropenedwide.Thistimethepreacherspokequiet–like.Hesaid,“InthenameoftheFather,theSon,andtheHolyGhost–whoareyouandwhatdoyouwant?”

Thehauntcamerightacrosstheroom,straighttohim,andtookholdofhiscoat.Itwasayoungwomanabouttwentyyearsold.Herhairwastornandtangled,andthefleshwasdroppingoffherfacesohecouldseethebonesandpartofherteeth.Shehadnoeyeballs,buttherewasasortofbluelightwaybackinhereyesockets.Andshehadnonosetoherface.

Thenshestartedtalking.Itsoundedlikehervoicewascomingandgoingwiththewindblowingit.Shetoldhowherloverhadkilledherforhermoneyandburiedherinthecellar.Shesaidifthepreacherwoulddigupherbonesandburyherproperly,shecouldrest.

Thenshetoldhimtotaketheendjointofthelittlefingerfromherlefthand,andtolayitinthecollectionplateatthenextchurchmeeting–andhe’dfindoutwhohadmurderedher.

Andshesaid,“Ifyoucomebackhereoncemoreafterthat–you’llhearmyvoiceatmidnight,andI’lltellyouwheremymoneyishid,andyoucangiveittothechurch.”

Thehauntsobbedlikeshewastied,andshesunkdowntowardthefloorandwasgone.Thepreacherfoundherbonesandburiedtheminthegraveyard.

ThenextSundaythepreacherputthefingerboneinthecollectionplate,andwhenacertainmanhappenedtotouchit,itstucktohishand.Themanjumpedupandrubbedandscrapedandtoreatthebone,tryingtogetitoff.Thenhewenttoscreaming,likehewasgoingcrazy.Well,heconfessedtothemurder,andtheytookhimontojail.

Afterthemanwashung,thepreacherwentbacktothathouseonemidnight,andthehaunt’svoicetoldhimtodigunderthehearthrock.Hedid.Andhefoundabigsackofmoney.Andwherethathaunthadheldontohiscoat,theprintofthosebonyfingerswasburnedrightintothecloth.Itneverdidcomeout.

·THEGUESTS·

Ayoungmanandhiswifewereonatriptovisithismother.Usuallytheyarrivedintimeforsupper.Buttheyhadgottenalatestart,andnowitwasgettingdark.Sotheydecidedtolookforaplacetostayovernightandgooninthemorning.

Justofftheroad,theysawasmallhouseinthewoods.“Maybetheyrentrooms,”thewifesaid.Sotheystoppedtoask.

Anelderlymanandwomancametothedoor.Theydidn’trentrooms,theysaid.Buttheywouldbegladtohavethemstayovernightastheirguests.Theyhadplentyofroom,andtheywouldenjoythecompany.

Theoldwomanmadecoffeeandbroughtoutsomecake,andthefourofthemtalkedforawhile.Thentheyoungcoupleweretakentotheirroom.Theyagainexplainedthattheywantedtopayforthis,buttheoldmansaidhewouldnotacceptanymoney.

Theyoungcouplegotupearlythenextmorningbeforetheirhostshadawakened.Onatablenearthefrontdoor,theyleftanenvelopewithsomemoneyinitfortheroom.Thentheywentontothenexttown.

Theystoppedinarestaurantandhadbreakfast.Whentheytoldtheownerwheretheyhadstayed,hewasshocked.

“Thatcan’tbe,”hesaid.“Thathouseburnedtothegroundandthemanandthewomanwholivedtherediedinthefire.”

Theyoungcouplecouldnotbelieveit.SotheywentbackthehouseOnlynowtherewasnohouse.Alltheyfoundwasaburned-outshell.Theystoodstaringattheruinstryingtounderstandwhathadhappened.Thenthewomanscreamed.Intherubblewasabadlyburnedtable,liketheonetheyhadseenbythefrontdoor.Onthetablewastheenvelopetheyhadleftthatmorning.

TheyEatYourEyes,TheyEatYourNose

Therearescarystoriesaboutallkindsofthings.Theonestoldhereareaboutagrave,awitch,amanwholikedtoswim,ahuntingtrip,andamarketbasket.Thereisalsooneaboutwormseatingacorpse—yourcorpse.

·THEHEARSESONG·

Doyoueverthink,asthehearsegoesby,Thatyoumaybethenexttodie?TheywrapyouupinalongwhitesheetFromyourheaddowntoyourfeet.Theyputyouinabigblackboxandcoveryouoverwithdirtandrocks.Andallgoeswellforaboutaweek,Andthenthecoffinbeginstoleak.Thewormscrawlin,thewormscrawlout,Thewormsplaypinochleonyoursnout.Theyeatyoureyes,theyeatyournose,Theyeatthejellybetweenyourtoes.AgreatbigwormwithrollingeyesCrawlsinyourstomachandoutyoureyesYourstomachturnsaslimygreen,Andpuspoursoutlikewhippingcream.Youspreaditonasliceofbread,andthat’swhatyoueatwhenyouaredead.

·THEGIRLWHOSTOODONAGRAVE·

Someboysandgirlswereatapartyonenight.Therewasagraveyarddownthestreet,andtheyweretalkingabouthowscaryitwas.

“Don’teverstandonagraveafterdark,”oneoftheboyssaid.“Thepersoninsidewillgrabyou.He’llpullyouunder.”

“That’snottrue,”oneofthegirlssaid.“It’sjustasuperstition.”

“I’llgiveyouadollarifyoustandonagrave,”saidtheboy.

“Agravedoesn’tscareme,”saidthegirl.“I’lldoitrightnow.”

Theboyhandedherhisknife.“Stickthisknifeinoneofthegraves,”hesaid.“Thenwe’llknowyouwerethere.”

Thegraveyardwasfilledwithshadowsandwasasquietasdeath.“Thereisnothingtobescaredof,”thegirltoldherself,butshewasscaredanyway.

Shepickedoutagraveandstoodonit.Thenquicklyshebentoverandplungedtheknifeintothesoil,andshestartedtoleave.Butshecouldn’tgetaway.Somethingwasholdingherback!Shetriedasecondtimetoleave,butshecouldn’tmove.Shewasfilledwithterror.

“Somethinghasgotme!”shescreamed,andfelltotheground.

Whenshedidn’tcomeback,theotherswenttolookforher.Theyfoundherbodysprawledacrossthegrave.Withoutrealizingit,shehadplungedtheknifethroughherskirtandhadpinnedittotheground.Itwasonlytheknifethatheldher.Shehaddiedoffright.

·ANEWHORSE·

Twofarmhandssharedaroom.Afterawhile,theonewhosleptnearthedoorbegantofeelverytiredearlyintheday.Hisfriendaskedwhatwaswrong.

“Anawfulthinghappenseverynight,”hesaid.“Awitchturnsmeintoahorseandridesmealloverthecountryside.”

“I’llsleepinyourbedtonight,”hisfriendsaid.“We’llseewhathappenstome.”

Aboutmidnightanoldwomanwholivednearbycameintotheroom.Shemumbledsomestrangewordsoverthefarmhand,andhefoundhecouldn’tmove.Thensheslippedabridleonhim,andheturnedintoahorse.

Thenextthingheknew,shewasridinghimacrossthefieldsatbreakneckspeed,beatinghimtomakehimgoevenfaster.Soontheycametoahousewhereapartywasgoingon.Shehitchedhimtoafenceandwentin.

Whileshewasgone,thefarmhandrubbedagainstthefenceuntilthebridlecameoff,andheturnedbackintoahuman.

Thenhewentintothehouseandfoundthewitch.Hespokethosestrangewordsoverher,andwiththebridleheturnedherintoahorse.Thenherodehertoablacksmithandhadherfittedwithhorseshoes.Afterthat,herodehertothefarmwhereshelived.

“Ihaveaprettygoodfillyhere,”hetoldherhusband,

“butIneedastrongerhorse.Wouldyouliketotrade?”

Theoldmanlookedherover,andsaidhewoulddoit.Thefarmhandpickedoutanotherhorseandrodeaway.

Herhusbandledhisnewhorsetothebarn.Hetookoffthebridleandwenttohangitup.Butwhenhecameback,thenewhorsewasgone.Instead,therestoodhiswifewithhorseshoesnailedtoherhandsandfeet.

·ALLIGATORS·

Ayoungwomanintownmarriedamanfromanotherpartofthecountry.Hewasanicefellow,andtheygotalongprettywelltogether.Therewasonlyoneproblem.Everynighthe’dgoswimmingintheriver.Sometimeshewouldbegoneallnightlong,andshewouldcomplainabouthowlonelyshewas.

Thiscouplehadtwoyoungsons.Assoonastheboyscouldwalk,theirfatherbegantoteachthemhowtoswim.Andwhentheygottobeoldenough,hetookthemswimmingintheriveratnight.Oftentheywouldstaythereallnightlong,andtheyoungwomanwouldstayhomeallbyherself.

Afterawhile,shebegantoactinastrangeway—atleast,thatiswhattheneighborssaid.Shetoldthemthatherhusbandwasturningintoanalligator,andthathewastryingtoturntheboysintoalligators.

Everybodytoldhertherewasnothingwrongwithamantakinghissonsswimming.Thatwasanaturalthingtodo.Andwhenitcametoalligators,therejustweren’tanynearby.Everybodyknewthat.

Earlyonemorningtheyoungwomancamerunningintotownfromthedirectionoftheriver.Shewassoakingwet.Shesaidabigalligatorandtwoalligatorshadpulledherinandhadtriedtogethertoeatarawfish.Theywereherhusbandandhersons,shesaid,andtheywantedhertolivewiththem.Butshehadgottenaway.

Herdoctorhaddecidedshehadlosthermind,andhadherputinthehospitalforawhile.Afterthatnobodysawherhusbandandtheboysagain.Theyjustdisappeared.ButnowandthenafishermanwouldtellaboutseeingalligatorsIntheriveratnight.Usuallyitwasonebigalligatorandtwosmallones.

Butpeoplesaidtheywerejustmakingitup.Everybodyknowstherearen’tanyalligatorsaroundhere.

·ROOMFORONEMORE·

AmannamedJosephBlackwellcametoPhiladelphiaonabusinesstrip.Hestayedwithfriendsinthebighousetheyownedoutsidethecity.Thatnighttheyhadagoodtimevisiting.ButwhenBlackwellwenttobed,hetossedandturnedandcouldn’tsleep.

Sometimeduringthenightheheardacarturnintothedriveway.Hewenttothewindowtoseewhowasarrivingatsuchalatehour.Inthemoonlight,hesawalong,blackhearsefilledwithpeople.

Thedriverofthehearselookedupathim.WhenBlackwellsawhisqueer,hideousface,heshuddered.Thedrivercalledtohim,“Thereisroomforonemore.”Thenhewaitedforaminuteortwo,andhedroveoff.

InthemorningBlackwelltoldhisfriendswhathadhappened.“Youweredreaming,”theysaid.

“Imusthavebeen,”hesaid,“butitdidn’tseemlikeadream.”

AfterbreakfasthewentintoPhiladelphia.Hespentthedayhighabovethecityinoneofthenewofficebuildingsthere.

Lateintheafternoonhewaswaitingforanelevatortotakehimbackdowntothestreet.Butwhenitarrived,itwasverycrowded.Oneofthepassengerslookedoutandcalledtohim.“Thereisroomforonemore,”hesaid.Itwasthedriverofthehearse.

“No,thanks,”saidBlackwell.“I’llgetthenextone.”

Thedoorsclosed,andtheelevatorstarteddown.Therewasshriekingandscreaming,thenthesoundofacrash.Theelevatorhadfallentothebottomoftheshaft.Everyoneaboardwaskilled.

·THEWENDIGO·

AwealthymanwantedtogohuntinginapartofnorthernCanadawherefewpeoplehadeverhunted.Hetraveledtoatradingpostandtriedtofindaguidetotakehim.Butnoonewoulddoit.Itwastoodangerous,theysaid.

Finally,hefoundanIndianwhoneededmoneybadly,andheagreedtotakehim.TheIndian’snamewasDéFago.

Theymadecampinthesnownearalargefrozenlake.Forthreedaystheyhunted,buttheyhadnothingtoshowforit.Thethirdnightawindstormcameup.Theylayintheirtentlisteningtothewindhowlingandthetreeswhippingbackandforth.

Toseethestormbetter,thehunteropenedthetentflap.Whathesawstartledhim.Therewasn’tabreathofairstirring,andthetreeswerestandingperfectlystill.Yethecouldhearthewindhowling.Andthemorehelistened,themoreitsoundedasifitwerecallingDéFago’sname.

“Da-faaaaaaaaay-go!”itcalled.“Da-faaaaaaaaay-go!”

“Imustbelosingmymind,”thehunterthought.

ButDéFagohadgottenoutofhissleepingbag.Hewashuddledinacornerofthetent,hisheadburiedinhisarms.

“What’sthisallabout?”thehunterasked.

“It’snothing,”DéFagosaid.

Butthewindcontinuedtocalltohim.AndDéFagobecamemoretenseandmorerestless.

“Da-Faaaaaaaaay-go!”itcalled.“Da-faaaaaaaaay-go!”

Suddenly,hejumpedtohisfeet,andhebegantorunfromthetent.Butthehuntergrabbedhimandwrestledhimtotheground.

“Youcan’tleavemeouthere,”thehungershouted.

Thenthewindcalledagain,andDéFagobrokelooseandranintothedarkness.Thehuntercouldhearhimscreamingashewent.Againandagainhecried,“Oh,myfieryfeet,myburningfeetoffire…”Thenhisvoicefadedaway,andthewinddieddown.

Atdaybreak,thehunterfollowedDéFago’stracksinthesnow.Theywentthroughthewoods,downtowardthelake,thenoutontotheice.

Butsoonhenoticedsomethingstrange.ThestepsDéFagohadtakengotlongerandlonger.Theyweresolongnohumanbeingcouldhavetakenthem.Itwasasifsomethinghadhelpedhimtohurryaway.

Thehunterfollowedthetracksouttothemiddleofthelake,buttheretheydisappeared.Atfirst,hethoughtthatDéFagohadfallenthroughtheice,buttherewasn’tanyhole.Thenhethoughtthatsomethinghadpulledhimofftheiceintothesky.Butthatmadenosense.

Ashestoodwonderingwhathadhappened,thewindpickedupagain.Soonitwashowlingasithadthenightbefore.ThenheheardDéFago’svoice.Itwascomingfromupabove,andagainheheardDéFagoscreaming,“…Myfieryfeet,myburningfeet…”Buttherewasnothingtobeseen.

Nowthehunterwantedtoleavethatplaceasfastashecould.Hewentbacktocampandpacked.ThenheleftsomefoodforDéFago,andhestartedout.Weekslaterhereachedcivilization.

Thefollowingyearhewentbacktohuntinthatareaagain.Hewenttothesametradingposttolookforaguide.ThepeopletherecouldnotexplainwhathadhappenedtoDéFagothatnight.Buttheyhadnotseenhimsincethen.

“MaybeitwastheWendigo,”oneofthemsaid,andhelaughed.“It’ssupposedtocomewiththewind.Itdragsyoualongatgreatspeeduntilyourfeetareburnedaway,andmoreofyouthanthat.Thenitcarriesyouintothesky,anditdropsyou.It’sjustacrazystory,butthat’swhatsomeoftheIndianssay.”

Afewdayslaterthehunterwasatthetradingpostagain.AnIndiancameinandsatbythefire.Hehadablanketwrappedaroundhim,andheworehishatsothatyoucouldn’tseehisface.Thehunterthoughttherewassomethingfamiliarabouthim.

Hewalkedoverandheasked,“AreyouDéFago?”TheIndiandidn’tanswer.

“Doyouknowanythingabouthim?”Noanswer.

Hebegantowonderifsomethingwaswrong,ifthemanneededhelp.Buthecouldn’tseehisface.

“Areyouallright?”heasked.

Noanswer.

Togetalookathim,heliftedtheIndian’shat.Thenhescreamed.Therewasnothingunderthehatbutapileofashes.

ThisscarystoryisascarygamethatpeopleplayatHallowe'en.Butitcanbeplayedwheneverthespiritmovesyou.

Theplayerssitinacircleinadarkenedroomandlistentoastorytellerdescribetherottingremainsofacorpse.Eachpartispassedaroundforthemtofeel.

Inoneversion,aplayerisoutifheorshescreamsorgaspswithfright.Inanotherversion,everybodystaystotheend,nomatterhowscaredtheyget.

Hereisthestory:

OnceinthistowntherelivedamannamedBrown.Itwasyearsago,onthisnight,thathewasmurderedoutofspite.

Wehaveherehisremains.

First,let'sfeelhisbrains.(Awet,squishytomato)

Nowherearehiseyes,stillfrozenwithsurprise.(Twopeeledgrapes)

Thisishisnose.(Achickenbone)

Hereishisear.(Adriedapricot)

Andhereishishand,rottingfleshandbone.(Aclothorrubberglovefilledwithmudorice)

Buthishairstillgrows.(Ahandfulofcornsilkorwetfuroryarn)

Andhisheartstillbeats,nowandthen.(Apieceofrawliver)

Andhisbloodstillflows.Dipyourfingersinit.It'sniceandwarm.(Abowlofcatsupthinnedwithwarmwater)

That'sallthereis,exceptfortheseworms.Theyaretheonesthatatetherestofhim.(Ahandfulofwet,cookedspaghettinoodles)

·“MAYICARRYYOURBASKET?”·

SamLewisspenttheeveningplayingchessathisfriend’shouse.Itwasaboutmidnightwhentheyfinishedtheirgame,andhestartedhome.Outsideitwasicycoldandasquietasthegrave.

Ashecamearoundaturnintheroad,hewassurprisedtoseeawomanwalkingaheadofhim.Shewascarryingabasketcoveredwithawhitecloth.Whenhecaughtuptoher,helookedtoseewhoitwas.Butshewassobundledupagainstthecold,itwashardtoseeherface.

“Goodevening,”Samsaid.“Whatbringsyououtsolate?”

Butshedidn’tanswer.

Thenhesaid,“MayIcarryyourbasket?”

Shehandedittohim.Fromunderthecloth,asmallvoicesaid,“That’sveryniceofyou,”andthatwasfollowedbywildlaughter.

Samwassostartledthathedroppedthebasket—andoutrolledawoman’shead.Helookedatthehead,andhestaredatthewoman.“It’sherhead!”hecried.Andhestartedtorun,andthewomanandherheadbegantochasehim.

Soontheheadcaughtuptohim.Itboundedintotheairandsunkitsteethintohisleftleg.Samscreamedwithpainandranfaster.

Butthewomanandherheadstayedrightbehind.Soontheheadleapedintotheairagainandbitintohisotherleg.Thentheyweregone.

OtherDangers

Mostofthescarystoriesinthisbookhavebeenpasseddownovertheyears.Buttheonesinthischapterhavebeentoldonlyinrecenttimes.Theyarestoriesthatyoungpeopleoftentellaboutdangerswefaceinourlivestoday.

·THEHOOK·

DonaldandSarahwenttothemovies.ThentheywentforarideinDonald’scar.Theyparkeduponahillattheedgeoftown.Fromtheretheycouldseethelightsupanddownthevalley.

Donaldturnedontheradioandfoundsomemusic.Butanannouncerbrokeinwithanewsbulletin.Amurdererhadescapedfromthestateprison.Hewasarmedwithaknifeandwasheadedsouthonfoot.Hislefthandwasmissing.Initsplace,heworeahook.

“Let’srollupthewindowsandlockthedoors,”saidSarah.

“That’sagoodidea,”saidDonald.

“Thatprisonisn’ttoofaraway,”saidSarah.“Maybewereallyshouldgohome.”

“Butit’sonlyteno’clock,”saidDonald.

“Idon’tcarewhattimeitis,”shesaid.“Iwanttogohome.”

“Look,Sarah,”saidDonald,“he’snotgoingtoclimballthewayuphere.Whywouldhedothat?Evenifhedid,allthedoorsarelocked.Howcouldhegetin?”

“Donald,hecouldtakethathookandbreakthroughawindowandopenadoor,”shesaid.“I’mscared.Iwanttogohome.”

Donaldwasannoyed.“Girlsalwaysareafraidofsomething,”hesaid.

Ashestartedthecar,Sarahthoughtsheheardsomeone,orsomethingscratchingatherdoor.

“Didyouhearthat?”sheaskedastheyroaredaway.“Itsoundedlikesomebodywastryingtogetin.”

“Oh,sure,”saidDonald.Soontheygottoherhouse.

“Wouldyouliketocomeinandhavesomecocoa?”sheasked.

“No,”hesaid,“I’vegottogohome.”

Hewentaroundtotheothersideofthecartoletherout.Hangingonthedoorhandlewasahook.

·THEWHITESATINEVENINGGOWN·

Ayoungmaninvitedayoungwomantoaformaldance.Butshewasverypoor,

andshecouldnotaffordtobuytheeveninggownsheneededforsuchanoccasion.

“Maybeyoucanrentadress,”hermothersaid.Soshewenttoapawnshopnotfarfromwhereshelived.Thereshefoundawhitesatineveninggowninhersize.Shelookedlovelyinit,andshewasabletorentitforverylittle.

Whenshearrivedatthedancewithherfriend,shewassoattractive,everyonewantedtomeether.Shedancedagainandagainandwashavingawonderfultime.Butthenshebegantofeeldizzyandfaint,andsheaskedherfriendtotakeherhome.“IthinkIhavedancedtoomuch,”shetoldhim.

Whenshegothome,shelaydownonherbed.Thenextmorningthemotherhadfoundthatherdaughterhaddied.Thedoctordidnotunderstandwhathadcausedherdeath,Sohehadthecoronerperformanautopsy.

Thecoronerfoundthatshehadbeenpoisonedbyembalmingfluid.Ithadstoppedherbloodfromflowing.Thereweretracesofthefluidonherdress.Hedecidedithadenteredherskinwhensheperspiredwhileshewasdancing.

Thepawnbrokersaidheboughtthedressfromanundertaker’shelper.Ithadbeenusedinafuneralforanotheryoungwoman,andthehelperhadstolenitjustbeforeshewasburied.

·HIGHBEAMS·

Thegirldrivingtheoldbluesedanwasasenioratthehighschool.Shelivedonafarmabouteightmilesawayandusedthecartodrivebackandforth.

Shehaddrivenintotownthatnighttoseeabasketballgame.Nowshewasonherwayhome.Asshepulledawayfromtheschool,shenoticedaredpick-uptruckfollowheroutoftheparkinglot.Afewminuteslaterthetruckwasstillbehindher.

“Iguesswe’regoinginthesamedirection,”shethought.

Shebegantowatchthetruckinhermirror.Whenshechangedherspeed,thedriverofthetruckchangedhisspeed.Whenshepassedacar,sodidhe.

Thenheturnedonhishighbeams,floodinghercarwithlight.Heleftthemonforalmostaminute.“Heprobablywantstopassme,”shethought.Butshewasbecominguneasy.

Usuallyshedrovehomeoverabackroad.Nottoomanypeoplewentthatway.

Butwhensheturnedontothatroad,sodidthetruck.

“I’vegottogetawayfromhim,”shethought,andshebegantodrivefaster.Thenheturnedhishighbeamsonagain.Afteraminute,heturnedthemoff.Thenheturnedthemonagainandoffagain.

Shedroveevenfaster,butthetruckdriverstayedrightbehindher.Thenheturnedhishighbeamsonagain.Oncemorehercarwasablazewithlight.“Whatishedoing?”shewondered.“Whatdoeshewant?”Thenheturnedthemoffagain.Butaminutelaterhehadthemonagain,andheleftthemon.

Atlastshepulledintoherdriveway,andthetruckpulledinrightbehindher.Shejumpedfromthecarandrantothehouse.“Callthepolice!”shescreamedatherfather.Outinthedrivewayshecouldseethedriverofthetruck.Hehadaguninhishand.

Whenthepolicearrived,theystartedtoarresthim,buthepointedtothegirl’scar.“Youdon’twantme,”hesaid.“Youwanthim.”

Crouchedbehindthedriver’sseat,therewasamanwithaknife.

Asthedriverofthetruckexplainedit,themanslippedintothegirl’scarjustbeforeshelefttheschool.Hesawithappen,buttherewasnowayhecouldstopit.Hethoughtaboutgettingthepolice,buthewasafraidtoleaveher.Sohefollowedhercar.

Eachtimethemaninthebackseatreacheduptooverpowerher,thedriverofthetruckturnedonhishighbeams.Thenthemandroppeddown,afraidthatsomeonemightseehim.

·THEBABYSITTER·

Itwasnineo’clockintheevening.EverybodywassittingonthecouchinfrontoftheTV.TherewereRichard,Brian,Jenny,andDoreen,thebabysitter.

Thetelephonerang.

“Maybeit’syourmother,”saidDoreen.Shepickedupthephone.Beforeshecouldsayaword,amanlaughedhystericallyandhungup.

“Whowasit?”askedRichard.

“Somenut,”saidDoreen.“WhatdidImiss?”

Atnine-thirtythetelephonerangagain.Doreenansweredit.Itwasthemanwho

hadcalledbefore.“I’llbetheresoon,”hesaid,andhelaughedandhungup.

“Whowasit?”thechildrenasked.

“Somecrazyperson,”shesaid.

Aboutteno’clockthetelephonerangagain.Jennygottoitfirst.

“Hello,”shesaid.

Itwasthesameman.“Onemorehour,”hesaid,andhelaughedandhungup.

“Hesaid,‘Onemorehour.’Whatdidhemean?”askedJenny.

“Don’tworry,”saidDoreen.“It’ssomebodyfoolingaround.”

“I’mscared,”saidJenny.

Aboutten-thirtythetelephonerangoncemore.WhenDoreenpickeditup,themansaid,“Prettysoonnow,”andhelaughed.

“Whyareyoudoingthis?”Doreenscreamed,andhehungup.

“Wasitthatguyagain?”askedBrian.

“Yes,”saidDoreen.“I’mgoingtocalltheoperatorandcomplain.”

Theoperatortoldhertocallbackifithappenedagain,andshewouldtrytotracethecall.

Ateleveno’clockthetelephonerangagain.Doreenansweredit.“Verysoonnow,”themansaid,andhelaughedandhungup.

Doreencalledtheoperator.Almostatonceshecalledback.“Thatpersoniscallingfromatelephoneupstairs,”shesaid.“You’dbetterleave.I’llgetthepolice.”

Justthenadoorupstairsopened.Amantheyhadneverseenbeforestarteddownthestairstowardthem.Astheyranfromthehouse,hewassmilinginaverystrangeway.Afewminuteslater,thepolicefoundhimthereandarrestedhim.

“Aaaaaaaaaaah!”

Thischapterhasthesametitleasthefirstchapter.Butthestoriesinthefirstchapteraremeanttoscareyou.Theonesinthischapteraremeanttomakeyoulaugh.

·THEVIPER·

Awidowlivedaloneonthetopfloorofanapartmenthouse.Onemorninghertelephonerang.

“Hello,”shesaid.

“Thisistheviper,”amansaid.“I’mcomingup.”

“Somebodyisfoolingaround,”shethought,andhungup.

Ahalf-hourlaterthetelephonerangagain.Itwasthesameman.

“It’stheviper,”hesaid.“I’llbeupsoon.”

Thewidowdidn’tknowwhattothink,butshewasgettingfrightened.

Oncemorethetelephonerang.Againitwastheviper.

“I’mcomingupnow,”hesaid.

Shequicklycalledthepolice.Theysaidtheywouldberightover.Whenthedoorbellrang,shesighedwithrelief.“Theyarehere!”shethought.

Butwhensheopenedthedoor,therestoodalittleoldmanwithabucketanda

cloth.“Iamtheviper,”hesaid.“Ivishtovashandvipethevindows.”

·THEATTIC·

AmannamedRupertlivedwithhisdoginahousedeepinthewoods.Rupertwasahunterandatrapper.ThedogwasabigGermanshepherdnamedSam.RuperthadraisedSamfromapup.

AlmosteverymorningRupertwenthunting,andSamstayedbehindandguardedthehouse.Onemorning,asRupertwascheckinghistraps,hegotthefeelingthatsomethingwaswrongathome.

Hehurriedbackasfastashecould,butwhenhegottherehefoundthatSamwasmissing.Hesearchedthehouseandthewoodsnearby,butSamwasnowheretobeseen.Hecalledandhecalled,butthedogdidnotanswer.FordaysRupertlookedforSam,buthecouldfindnotraceofhim.

Finallyhegaveupandwentbacktohiswork.Butonemorningheheardsomethingmovingintheattic.Hepickeduphisgun.Thenhethought,“I’dbetterbequietaboutthis.”

Sohetookoffhisboots.Andinhisbarefeethebegantoclimbtheatticstairs.Heslowlytookonestep—thenanother—thenanother,untilatlasthereachedtheatticdoor.

Hestoodoutsidelistening,buthedidn’thearathing.Thenheopenedthedoor,and—

“AAAAAAAAAAAH!”

(Atthispoint,thestorytellerstops,asifhehasfinished.Thenusuallysomebodywillask,“WhydidRupertscream?”

Thestorytellerreplies,“You’dscreamtooifyousteppedonanailinyourbarefeet.”)

·THESLITHERY-DEE·

·AARONKELLY’SBONES·

AaronKellywasdead.Theyboughthimacoffinandhadafuneralandburied

him.

Butthatnighthegotoutofhiscoffin,andhecamehome.Hisfamilywassittingaroundthefirewhenhewalkedin.

Hesatdownnexttohiswidow,andhesaid,“What’sgoingon?Youallactlikesomebodydied.Who’sdead?”

Hiswidowsaid,“Youare.”

“Idon’tfeeldead,”hesaid.“Ifeelfine.”

“Youdon’tlookfine,”hiswidowsaid.“Youlookdead.You’dbettergetbacktothegravewhereyoubelong.”

“I’mnotgoingbacktothegraveuntilIfeeldead,”hesaid.

SinceAaronwouldn’tgoback,hiswidowcouldn’tcollecthislifeinsurance.Withoutthat,shecouldn’tpayforthecoffin.Andtheundertakersaidhewouldtakeitback.

Aarondidn’tcare.Hejustsatbythefirerockinginachairandwarminghishandsandfeet.Buthisjointsweredryandhisbackwasstiff,andeverytimehemoved,hecreakedandcracked.

Onenightthebestfiddlerintowncametocourtthewidow.SinceAaronwasdead,thefiddlerwantedtomarryher.Thetwoofthemsatononesideofthefire,andAaronsatontheotherside,creakingandcracking.

“Howlongdowehavetoputupwiththisdeadcorpse?”thewidowasked.

“Somethingmustbedone,”thefiddlersaid.

“Thisisn’tveryjolly,”Aaronsaid.“Let’sdance!”

Thefiddlergotouthisfiddleandbegantoplay.Aaronstretchedhimself,shookhimself,gotup,tookasteportwo,andbegantodance.

Withhisoldbonesrattling,andhisyellowteethsnapping,andhisbaldhead

wagging,andhisarmsflip-flopping—aroundandaroundhewent.

Withhislonglegsclicking,andhiskneebonesknocking,heskippedandprancedaroundtheroom.Howthatdeadmandanced!Butprettysoonaboneworkedlooseandfelltothefloor.

“Lookatthat!”saidthefiddler.

“Playfaster!”saidthewidow.

Thefiddlerplayedfaster.

Crickety-crack,downandback,thedeadmanwenthopping,andhisdryboneskeptdropping—thisway,thatway,thepiecesjustkeptpopping.

“Play,man!Play!”criedthewidow.

Thefiddlerfiddled,anddeadAarondanced.ThenAaronfellapart,collapsedintoapileofbones—allexcepthisbaldheadbonethatgrinnedatthefiddler,crackeditsteeth—andkeptdancing.

“Lookatthat!”groanedthefiddler.

“Playlouder!”criedthewidow.

“Ho,ho!”saidtheheadbone.“Ain’twehavingfun!”

Thefiddlercouldn’tstandit.“Widow,”hesaid.“I’mgoinghome,”andhenevercameback.

ThefamilygatheredupAaron’sbonesandputthembackinthecoffin.Theymixedthemupsohecouldn’tfitthemtogether.Afterthat,Aaronstayedinhisgrave.

Buthiswidowneverdidgetmarriedagain.Aaronhadseentothat.

·WAITTILLMARTINCOMES·

Anoldmanwasoutforawalk.Whenastormcameup,helookedforaplacetotakeshelter.Soonhecametoanoldhouse.Heranupontheporchandknockedonthedoor,butnobodyanswered.

Bynowrainwaspouringdown,thunderwasbooming,andlightningwasflashing.Sohetriedthedoor.Whenhefounditwasunlocked,hewentinside.

Exceptforapileofwoodenboxes,thehousewasempty.Hebrokeupsomeoftheboxesandmadeafirewiththem.Thenhesatdowninfrontofthefireanddriedhimself.Itwassowarmandcozythathefellasleep.

Whenhewokeupablackcatwassittingnearthefire.Itstaredathimforawhile.Thenitpurred.“That’sanicecat,”hethought,andhedozedoffagain.

Whenheopenedhiseyes,therewasasecondcatintheroom.Butthisonewasasbigasawolf.Itlookedathimveryclosely,anditasked,“Shallwedoitnow?”

“No,”saidtheothercat.“Let’swaittillMartincomes.”

“Imustbedreaming,”thoughttheoldman.Heclosedhiseyesagain.Thenhetookanotherlook.Butnowtherewasathirdcatintheroom,andthisonewasasbigasatiger.Itlookedtheoldmanover,anditasked,“Shallwedoitnow?”

“No,”saidtheothers.“Let’swaittillMartincomes.”

Theoldmanjumpedup,jumpedoutthewindowandstartedrunning.“WhenMartincomes,youtellhimIcouldn’twait,”hecalled.

·THEGHOSTWITHTHEBLOODYFINGERS·

Abusinessmanarrivedatahotellateonenightandaskedforaroom.Theroomclerktoldhimthehotelwasallfilledup.“Thereisonlyoneemptyroom,”hesaid.“Butwedon’trentthatonebecauseitishaunted.”

“I’lltakeit,”saidthebusinessman“Idon’tbelieveinghosts.”

Themanwentuptotheroom.Heunpackedhisthings,andhewenttobed.Assoonashedid,aghostcameoutofthecloset.Itsfingerswerebleeding,anditwasmoaning,“Bloodyfingers!Bloodyfingers!”Whenthemansawtheghost,hegrabbedhisthingsandran.

Thenextnightawomanarrivedverylate.Again,alltheroomsweretakenexceptthehauntedroom.

“I’llsleepthere,”shesaid.“I’mnotafraidofghosts.”

Assoonasshegotintobed,theghostcameoutofthecloset.ltsfingersstillwerebleeding.Itstillwasmoaning,“Bloodyfingers!Bloodyfingers!”Andthe

womantookonelookandran.

Aweeklateranotherguestarrivedverylate.Healsotookthehauntedroom.

Afterheunpacked,hegotouthisguitarandhebegantoplay.Soontheghostappeared.Asbefore,itsfingerswerebleeding,anditwasmoaning,“Bloodyfingers!Bloodyfingers!”

Themanpaidnoattention.Hejustkeptstrumminghisguitar.Buttheghostkeptmoaning,anditsfingerskeptbleeding.

Finally,theguitarplayerlookedup.“Coolit,man!”hesaid.“GetyourselfaBand-Aid.”