The Ghost with the Silk Hat

Introduction

“The Ghost with the Silk Hat”. This story along with “Guns of the Mountains” and “A Gent from Bear Creek” was received by Howard’s agent, Kline, on November 8, 1933.

The story was first published in WRITER OF THE DARK by Dark Carneval Press. Nearly three dozen changes were made to the text. The text included in THE MAN FROM CROSS PLAINS was taken from the typescript and a few corrections are noted at the back of the book.

Cross Plains Library has an original draft of this story.

Three boys, Weary McGraw, Steve, and the Whale, explore the mysterious Wiltshire Estate, now owned by Mr. Harger. They uncover eerie happenings and a sinister plot involving Wilfred Cobworth, a boy held captive and claimed to be insane. Their investigation reveals dangerous secrets and tests their courage.

Summary

In “The Ghost with the Silk Hat,” three boys—Weary McGraw, Steve, and the Whale—venture into the woods near Millville and discover that someone has bought and is refurbishing the old Wiltshire Estate. Curiosity piqued, they explore the area and encounter the caretaker, Steinmann, who tells them about Wilfred Cobworth, a boy supposedly insane and kept in the estate.

Wilfred confides in the boys that he is frightened by strange noises and sightings, including a ghostly figure resembling the former owner, Mr. Wiltshire. The boys, especially Weary, suspect foul play. They devise plans to investigate further, ultimately sneaking into the estate at night. They encounter Steinmann in disguise, trying to frighten Wilfred and affirm his insanity claim.

Through their courageous efforts, the boys uncover a plot by Wilfred’s guardian, Mr. Harger, and his associates Steinmann and Gurdheim. They aim to drive Wilfred insane or have him declared as such to gain control of his inheritance. Wilfred, with the boys’ help, resists the psychological assault.

The boys learn that Steinmann has been impersonating the ghost of Mr. Wiltshire to terrorize Wilfred. They expose the scheme, capturing Steinmann and bringing the conspirators to justice. Their bravery and cleverness save Wilfred from further harm, reuniting him with his supportive lawyer, Mr. Harlton.

Characters

  • Weary McGraw (William Aloysius Fitzgerald McGraw): One of the three main boys investigating the estate. He is brave, clever, and leads much of the investigation.
  • Steve (Stephen O’Sullivan Bender): The narrator and one of the three boys. He is courageous and resourceful.
  • The Whale (Chauncey Reginald Applewaite): The third boy, known for his large size and loyalty to his friends.
  • Wilfred Cobworth: A boy held captive in the estate, claimed to be insane by his guardian.
  • Steinmann: The caretaker of the estate, involved in the plot to drive Wilfred insane.
  • Mr. Harger: Wilfred’s guardian and the main conspirator aiming to gain control of Wilfred’s inheritance.
  • Gurdheim: An associate of Harger, involved in the conspiracy.
  • Mr. Harlton: Wilfred’s lawyer, who helps rescue him and expose the conspiracy.

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