In a small village, the parish sexton, known for his austere demeanor and penchant for storytelling, becomes a figure of both fear and fascination among local children. Bob Martin, the sexton, is a complex character; while he maintains a strict moral code, he is also drawn to the pleasures of drink and revelry, often indulging in whiskey with a local publican, Philip Slaney. Their camaraderie leads to mutual decline, culminating in Slaney's tragic suicide, which deeply affects Bob and prompts him to renounce alcohol. A year later, on a stormy night, Bob is summoned by the curate for a funeral. Despite his wife's concerns about his sobriety, he promises to return without drinking. However, on his way home, he encounters a mysterious stranger who invites him to share a drink. Bob, determined to uphold his promise, declines, but the stranger persistently follows him, creating an atmosphere of dread. As Bob quickens his pace, the stranger's behavior becomes increasingly menacing. In a moment of panic, Bob rushes to his door, pleading for his wife to let him in. The stranger, now revealed to be a spectral figure, threatens him with a fiery drink. Bob's terror peaks as he realizes the stranger is the ghost of Slaney, come to tempt him into breaking his vow. In a climactic moment, the ghost hurls the contents of the bottle at Bob, igniting a blaze that envelops them both. Bob collapses at his doorstep, saved by his wife, who witnesses the supernatural event. The next day, the village finds a tree scorched by the flames, a testament to the encounter. The tale serves as a moral lesson about the dangers of temptation and the importance of keeping one's promises, particularly in the face of supernatural challenges. Bob Martin ultimately returns to his duties, now a more cautious and reflective figure, while the story of his encounter becomes part of local legend.
By J. Sheridan Le Fanu · First published 1861 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Horror, Dark Comedy