Another Ghost Story.

The family of the Rev. Mr. Browning, residing in Aberdeen, have been, during the last fortnight, thrown into a state of consternation, by noises which have been raised in the house, such as ringing the bells, knocking down various pieces of furniture, the breaking of stone ware, &c. The two servant girls belonging to the house, who were the occasion of this novel disturbance, all along pretended that they knew nothing of the matter, and exhibited before the family, when questioned, every sign of fear; but, as it turned out, they laughed at it, when spoken to on the subject by any other person.

The story got abroad, and the premises were designated the “haunted house.” Mr. B., foiled in every attempt to find out the cause, had the wires cut, but still the bells were rung; after this, they were taken down, but the agency then operated on the candlesticks, dishes, &c. At length suspicion fell on the elder servant, a girl of the name of Mary Wilson; and, in order to have a full investigation of the circumstances, she was placed at the bar of the police court on Saturday, where she admitted having rung the bells on different occasions, but denied any farther knowledge of the matter.

This not being satisfactory to the Court, and as the public prosecutor had not summoned witnesses to attend, the case was adjourned to Monday, that witnesses might be examined. The case was accordingly heard, and after a full investigation of three hours, the said Mary Wilson was found guilty, and ordered to pay a fine of twenty shillings, and all expenses; the other servant, a young girl of about twelve years of age, though implicated in the matter, was admitted an evidence for the prosecutor.

Inverness Journal and Northern Advertiser, 28th January 1831.