by Ambrose Bierce

Philip Eckert lived for many years in an old, weather-stained wooden house about three miles little town of Marion, in Vermont quite number of persons living who remember him, not unkindly, I trust, and know something story that about

"Old Man Eckert," as always called, was not of sociable disposition and lived alone As never known own affairs nobody thereabout knew anything past, nor relatives if he had any Without being particularly ungracious or repellent in manner or speech, he managed somehow immune to impertinent curiosity, yet exempt evil repute it commonly revenges itself when baffled; as , Mr Eckert's renown as reformed assassin or retired pirate Spanish Main reached any ear in Marion He got his living cultivating small and not very fertile farm

One day he disappeared and prolonged search by his neighbors failed him up or throw any light upon his whereabouts or whyabouts Nothing indicated preparation to leave: all was as left it spring for bucket of water For few weeks little else was talked of region; then "old man Eckert" became village tale ear stranger know what regarding his property--the correct legal thing, doubtless The house was standing, still vacant and conspicuously unfit, when I last heard of it, some twenty years afterward

it came considered "haunted," customary tales were told of moving lights, dolorous sounds and startling apparitions At , about five years disappearance, these stories supernatural became so rife, or through some attesting circumstances seemed so important, that some of Marion's most serious citizens deemed it well to investigate, and end arranged for night session premises The parties undertaking were John Holcomb, an apothecary; Wilson Merle, lawyer, and Andrus C Palmer, the teacher public school, all men of consequence and repute They were to meet at Holcomb's house at eight o'clock evening appointed day and go together scene vigil, where certain arrangements for their comfort, provision of fuel like, season was winter, already made

Palmer keep the engagement, and after waiting half-hour for him the others went Eckert house without him They established themselves principal room, before glowing fire, and without other light than it gave, awaited events It agreed as little as possible: even renew the exchange of views regarding the defection of Palmer, which had occupied their minds way

Probably an hour had passed without incident heard (not without emotion, doubtless) the sound of an opening door rear house, followed by footfalls room adjoining that they sat The watchers rose feet, but stood firm, prepared for whatever might ensue long silence followed--how long neither would afterward undertake Then the door two rooms opened and man entered

Palmer pale, from excitement--as pale others felt themselves His manner, too, was singularly distrait: he neither responded salutations nor as looked at them, but walked slowly across the room light failing fire and opening the front door passed out darkness

It seems the first thought of both men that Palmer was suffering from fright--that something seen, heard or imagined back room had deprived him senses Acting same friendly impulse both ran after him open door But neither they nor anyone ever again saw or heard of Andrus Palmer !

This much was ascertained the next morning During the session of Messrs Holcomb and Merle "haunted house" new snow had fallen to depth of several inches old snow Palmer's trail lodging village back door Eckert house was conspicuous But there it ended: front door nothing led away but the tracks two men who swore that he preceded them Palmer's disappearance was as complete of "old man Eckert" himself--whom, indeed, the editor local paper somewhat graphically accused of having "reached out and pulled him in "