The Ghosts of Craig-Aulnaic - Page 2

Such a moving relation could not fail to affect the generous heart of
James Gray, who determined from that moment to risk life and limb in
order to vindicate the rights and avenge the wrongs of poor Clashnichd,
the ghost of Craig-Aulnaic. He, therefore, took good care to interrogate
his new _protegee_ touching the nature of her oppressor's constitution,
whether he was of that _killable_ species of ghost that could be shot
with a silver sixpence, or if there was any other weapon that could
possibly accomplish his annihilation. Clashnichd informed him that she
had occasion to know that Ben Baynac was wholly invulnerable to all the
weapons of man, with the exception of a large mole on his left breast,
which was no doubt penetrable by silver or steel; but that, from the
specimens she had of his personal prowess and strength, it were vain for
mere man to attempt to combat him. Confiding, however, in his expertness
as an archer--for he was allowed to be the best marksman of the age--James
Gray told Clashnichd he did not fear him with all his might,--that _he_
was a man; and desired her, moreover, next time the ghost chose to repeat
his incivilities to her, to apply to him, James Gray, for redress.

It was not long ere he had an opportunity of fulfilling his promises. Ben
Baynac having one night, in the want of better amusement, entertained
himself by inflicting an inhuman castigation on Clashnichd, she lost no
time in waiting on James Gray, with a full and particular account of it.
She found him smoking his _cutty_, for it was night when she came to him;
but, notwithstanding the inconvenience of the hour, James needed no great
persuasion to induce him to proceed directly along with Clashnichd to
hold a communing with their friend, Ben Baynac, the great ghost.
Clashnichd was stout and sturdy, and understood the knack of travelling
much better than our women do. She expressed a wish that, for the sake
of expedition, James Gray would suffer her to bear him along, a motion to
which the latter agreed; and a few minutes brought them close to the
scene of Ben Baynac's residence. As they approached his haunt, he came
forth to meet them, with looks and gestures which did not at all indicate
a cordial welcome. It was a fine moonlight night, and they could easily
observe his actions. Poor Clashnichd was now sorely afraid of the great
ghost. Apprehending instant destruction from his fury, she exclaimed to
James Gray that they would be both dead people, and that immediately,
unless James Gray hit with an arrow the mole which covered Ben Baynac's
heart. This was not so difficult a task as James had hitherto
apprehended it. The mole was as large as a common bonnet, and yet nowise
disproportioned to the natural size of the ghost's