The Water Spectre

Muchardus, the usurping Thane of Dungivan, had murdered Roderic the
late owner of that title, whom he had treacherously invited to an
entertainment in a castle that he possessed on the banks of the Clyde.
As soon as the banquet was nearly concluded, Roderic arose,
courteously took leave of his entertainer and his guests, and
descended the stairs. But he was not allowed to quit Boswell Castle.
His faithful followers had been previously dispatched, and buried in
one of the vaults beneath the edifice. To one of these, which was
formed into a kind of dungeon, the hapless Roderic was forcibly
dragged, and fastened to the stone wall by an iron chain.

Three days and nights did the unfortunate Roderic remain in this
wretched lodging; his bed the cold ground, with oaten cake and water
for food; and this vile treatment he received from one on whom he had
heaped innumerable favours, and honoured with his confidence.

On the fourth night of Roderic's dreadful confinement, Muchardus
entered his dungeon; in one hand he carried a written paper, in the
other a dagger; the man who had always brought Roderic's food, carried
a torch before the recreant lord. Roderic surveyed his foe with silent
indignation.

After a pause of a few minutes, Muchardus presented to the Thane the
paper which he had brought, and desired him to peruse it with
attention. He did so, and found it to be drawn up as a will, by which
he bequeathed to his treacherous friend all his vast possessions, and
the Thaneship of Dungivan.

'For what vile purpose have you brought me this infamous scroll?'
demanded the Thane.

'By signing that paper,' replied Muchardus, 'you will preserve your
existence. Liberty, 'tis true, I cannot grant you, consistent with my
own designs and safety; yet you shall be secreted in the best
apartment my castle affords; and every wish you can form, that will
not tend to a discovery of your still being an inhabitant of this
world, shall be attended to with the most scrupulous exactness.'

The Thane's eyes darted fire at this disclosure of the premeditated
villainy of Muchardus, and he tore the paper to atoms.

The enraged Muchardus flew towards his victim, and repeatedly plunged
his dagger in his breast, till, with a heavy groan, he fell, and
expired at the feet of his murderer.

Muchardus then left the dungeon, and returned to his own apartment,
where he employed one of his emissaries, whom he had sworn to secrecy,
to draw up another paper of the same purport as that which the Thane
had destroyed. Muchardus had several papers in his possession, which
had been written by Roderic, and to most of them his signature was
affixed. This they copied with great exactness, and then prepared to
reap the fruits of their wicked design.