The Haunted House

The Haunted House

Chapter 4

James Stone did most of the talking the next day, as he drove into town. Both Miss Georgia and Abigail were busy with their own thoughts. He boasted about his brand new Lincoln car and, truth be told, Miss Georgia found it to be much more comfortable that riding in a wagon. James Stone never lacked for money and was one of the few people she knew who could afford one of these motorized wonders.

“My big news is I’ll be selling the house where the Marshalls live,” he said. “I’ve had an offer from a wealthy city slicker to buy it as a sort of weekend getaway. It should be fine for that.”

“But what about the Marshall family?” Miss Georgia asked, alarmed. “Where will they live?”

“Now, don’t you worry there, Miss Georgia. I’ll help them find another house to live in. I don’t think it’ll matter much to them, since they’re just renters anyway.”

Miss Georgia sniffed. As far as she was concerned, James Stone had several failings and the chiefest was arrogance. She’d talk to Jenny Marshall about it when she went back home.

“Here you are, ladies,” James said, stopping in front of a pretty two-storied house. “Delivered you safely, I did, and no flat tires or over-heated engine.”

Miss Georgia thanked him, picked up her suitcase and the basket that contained Elmira, got out of the car, and followed Abigail into the yard. The house certainly didn’t look haunted. It was a pretty two-storied, frame home, evidently quite old, but had been well maintained. It was snuggled between two smaller houses, neat houses that looked as old as Abigail’s home.

“Come on in, Georgia,” Abigail said. “I’ll fix us both a cup of tea and I’ll show you where you can stay while you’re here.”

Miss Georgia raised her eyebrows. “Now, Abby, I don’t imagine I’ll be here more than overnight. I’m sure those noises you heard were a rat or maybe a squirrel that found their way into your upstairs. You and I both know there’s no such thing as ghosts.”

Abigail shuddered. “If only you’re right. But, promise me you won’t leave until this mystery is solved.”

Miss Georgia smiled. “I promise. But, it’ll be nothing at all. You wait and see.”

Little did Miss Georgia know how wrong she was.

 

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