The Canterville Ghost

However, the Cantervilles were a brave family, and the ghost did not stay frightened for very long. He decided that as soon as it was daylight he would go and and speak to the other ghost. Accordingly, just as the silver light of the dawn was touching the hills , he returned towards the spot where he had seen the terrible ghost. He thought that, after all, two ghosts were better than one. Perhaps, with the aid of his new friend, he might finally be able to do something about the twins.

However when he reached the spot, a terrible sight met his gaze. He could see at once that something had happened to the other ghost. The light had completely gone from its hollow eyes, the gleaming dagger had fallen from its hand, and it was leaning up against the wall in a strained and uncomfortable position. The Canterville ghost rushed forward and seized it in his arms. Then, to his horror, the head slipped off and rolled away, and the body fell flat on the floor. The ghost found himself holding a white bed-sheet, with a broom, a kitchen knife, and a hollow turnip lying at his feet! He could not understand how this strange change to the other ghost had happened, so he quickly grabbed the placard that had been on the other ghost's chest. On the placard, in the grey morning light, he read these frightening words:

YE OTIS GHOSTE. Ye Only True and Originale Spook. Beware of Ye Imitations.
All others are Counterfeit.

Vocabulary:

Accordingly: Therefore.
Spot: Here it means 'place'.
Aid: Help.
Gaze: When you look at something for a long time.
Hollow: Empty inside
Gleaming: Shining softly.
Strained: Stretched and uncomfortable.
Seize: Hold quickly.
Turnip: A large white vegetable.
Grab: Sieze.
Placard: A large piece of paper with something written on it.
Clutch: Hold on to.
Ye: Old English for 'the'.
Spook: Ghost.
Counterfeit: Not real, imitation.