This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE PHANTOM: A DRAMA.
295

As 't were confusedly, and heard strange sounds,—
Stranger than wind or natural cause could utter.

CRAWFORD.

And thou wert sure they were unnatural sounds?

And hast thou heard them often?

SEXTON.

Many times:

But that was in the first years of mine office.
I am not now alarm'd: use makes me feel
As if no harm could e'er befall the sexton:
And ev'n my wife will in dark winter nights
Enter the church alone and toll the bell.

CRAWFORD.

And ne'er has been alarm'd by any sight

Of apparition or unearthly thing?

SEXTON.

Yes; she was once alarm'd.


CRAWFORD (eagerly).

And what appear'd?


SEXTON.

It was, as nearly as I can remember,

Upon a Friday night——

CRAWFORD (quickly).

Ne'er mind the night: what was it that she saw?