CHARLOTTETOWN 81

I wonder what the course of events would have been had she married the caustic genius, Carlyle Would he ever have written Sartor Resartus? Would he have written something else equally famous . . .?

Charlottetown seems to have had experiences of every sort from the visits of royalty to the visits of ghosts. What is even stranger, the ghosts appeared in daylight, and in a church! It was Friday—the seventh of October, 1858. These were no ordinary ghosts either. These rang the bell of the church. According to contemporary newspapers several people heard the bell tolling, and saw these apparitions as well, so that there is no doubt as to their authenticity. There are not many cities which can claim such prankish ghosts!

It happened this way. A certain Captain Cross, who had arisen early, was on his way to the stables of the Royal Oak. Just as he reached Black Sam’s Bridge he heard a bell tolling. Near Pownall Street he heard it again. He thought it might be some foreign ship in the harbour, but a View of the harbour showed that theory to be incorrect. The sound seemed to come from the belfry of St. James’ Church, so he retraced his steps to the church. There he heard the bell toll eight times .

At the door of the Kirk appeared three women in white, with uncovered heads and feet. He went toward them, but they did not notice him. Again the bell tolled. Through the opening he saw a fourth woman in white. Then the church doors closed behind them.

Just at that moment the church sexton came around the comer from the manse. He had been there seeking an explanation of the bell ringing, and