The Thing from the Lake

"This is not the story of a haunted house -- but of a house strangely besieged -- as was Prague in the old legend, when a midnight army of specters unfurled pale banners and encamped around the city walls . . ." The days ahead look perfect, for Roger Locke. He has found a place in the country where he can pursue his life's calling, at peace; and a favorite young cousin is visiting, whom he hopes to protect from her overly ambitious parents. Yet strange occurrences intrude. His first night's sleep in his new house ends abruptly, in pitch darkness: for he feels a full, soft braid of hair being draped onto him. Puzzled, he seizes it -- only to feel cold steel against his wrist!