neglected condition. The dismemberment of the old parish and the abolition of services in Kirkbride was the cause of much strong feeling, and those who had contributed to the change were looked upon by many as being guilty of nothing short of the grossest sacrilege. Misfortunes and disasters are said to have followed all who had a hand in the spoliation. Abraham Crichton was one of the heritors. He had

no veneration for the ancient kirk, and, doubtless thinking that if the building were destroyed it would put an end to the clamouring for resumption of services, swore that he would sune ding doon the Whigs' sanctuary." He accordingly got some men together to unroof the building. But the attempt was frustrated by a tremendous storm that compelled the workmen to desist, and Abraham soon after met his death near Dalpeddar by a fall from his horse. His violent end was looked upon as a judgment for his share in the impious work, and, along with a rumour that previous to his bankruptcy he had acted a dishonest part by hiding his money, gave rise to the story that when he was buried his body could not rest in the grave until he had made reparation for his misdeeds. His ghost was often seen in the evening walking in the kirkyard or grinning over the low wall that surrounded it, a terror to all who had to pass that way after nightfall. Sometimes it would run after an unfortunate wight on his way to Crawickmill, and chase him as far as the Kirk Syke, but no further, for a running stream no ghost can cross. People journeying into the town were often pursued to the Roddings Strand, the little little runner behind the Council House, now covered over, and when thus held in check by the running water the ghost would make

signs as if he wished to speak. No one, however, was courageous enough to enter into conversation with such an uncanny being; and what secret, if any, the ghost had to divulge was never known. In those days it was the custom to milk the cows in the open fields, and it frequently happened that the gloaming had set in by the time the milkmaids had finished their task. On these occasions Abraham's ghost was wont to make appearance, when the milking pails were at once flung aside, and the affrighted damsels, taking to their heels, would run screaming home and tell how Abraham had chased them. Cases of this kind became so frequent, and the ghost grew so bold, that after a time scarcely anyone had courage to pass by the kirkyard after dark. Abraham Crichton's ghost was the terror of everyone, and his exploits were talked of all over Nithsdale.

A full account of the wonderful doings of the resuscitated Provost was published in a chap-book, and, circulating over the length and breadth of the land, gave Abraham a notoriety that in life he could not have dreamed of. Some of the most learned men of the day were even disturbed by the stories of the ghost, and Dr Simpson tells us that the apparition was gravely discussed in the Edinburgh forum. He says a full report of the discussion was given in a literary periodical then conducted under the editorship of Thomas Ruddiman. Things came to such a pass that it was deemed absolutely necessary to take the most drastic measures possible to lay the ghost. It was believed that if a God-fearing man could be got, courageous enough to speak to the mischief-maker and use certain sacred charms, that the ghost would be laid to rest for ever. A venerable minister of the

name of Hunter, who resided at this time in Penpont, and who enjoyed a reputation for sanctity, was asked to undertake the desperate task. He readily agreed. Accordingly, after a day spent in prayer, he went alone at midnight to the kirkyard, and with sword and Bible in his hands took up his post at Abraham Crichton's grave. In the morning he was eagerly asked by the townsfolk how he had passed the night. Mr Hunter replied that he had effectively laid the ghost. Abraham, he said, would never trouble them again. Pressed to tell what actually took place between himself and the spirit, he replied, "No man shall ever know what passed between us.” Nevertheless, it was said that Mr Hunter, when he stood at Abraham's grave on that memorable night, drew a charmed circle around him with his sword, and over this no unhallowed footstep or evil spirit could pass. Abraham's ghost, when it made its appearance, was powerless against the man of God. It stood outside the ring and held out its hand to Mr Hunter, who refused it. Instead he threw his glove outside the circle, when it was instantly seized by the ghost and torn to pieces. Mr Hunter then, with open Bible, conjured the ghost never again to disturb or frequent the abodes of man, when the spirit with a fiendish cry descended into the grave and has never been seen since. Abraham's grave was covered with a "thruchstane," and, the more effectually to keep him under and prevent his escape, a strong iron chain was bound over it, and thus the mind of the public was at last set at rest.

On the Sunday following this victory over the powers of evil, Mr Hunter is said to have preached an