title: I Never Believed In Ghosts Until . . .
author: Editors of USA Weekend
description: McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide
zlib_text: ![](images/00001.jpg)
  
  
  # The Ghost at Massingham Mansions
  
  
  ### Ernest Bramah
  
  
  This page copyright © 2002 Blackmask Online.
  
  
  http://www.blackmask.com  
    
    
    
  
  
  
  
      
  
  
  
  
  Text scanned and proofed by Arthur Wendover
  
  
  
  
  
  email: arthur@unityspot.com
  
  
  
  
  
  June 22, 2002
  
  
  "Do you believe in ghosts, Max?" inquired Mr. Carlyle.
  
  
  "Only as ghosts," replied Carrados with decision.
  
  
  "Quite so," assented the private detective with the air of
  
  
  acquiescence with which he was wont to cloak his moments of
  
  
  obfuscation. Then he added cautiously: "And how don't you believe in
  
  
  them, pray?"
  
  
  "As public nuisances—or private ones for that matter," replied
  
  
  his friend. "So long as they are content to behave as ghosts I am with
  
  
  them. When they begin to meddle with a state of existence that is
  
  
  outside their province—to interfere in business matters and
  
  
  depreciate property—to rattle chains, bang doors, ring bells,
  
  
  predict winners and to edit magazines and to attract attention instead
  
  
  of