Even if a ghost is ripping a house to pieces, throwing tin pans all over, pouring water on pillows, making clocks chime at all hours, mortals will accept almost any "natural explanation" offered, no matter how absurd, rather than the obvious supernatural one, for what is going on.

“I saw these men and knew what they wanted, that this was vice, and despicable, …”

“But you love books, then,” Aunt Queen was saying. I had to listen.“Oh, yes,” Le…”

“When did this fiend strike last?"Ah . . . The last report was from the Dominica…”

“For several long moments we remained locked together, and I think I covered her…”