‘Well…this is it…isn’t it…the Holiday Season is upon us,’ Neva J. said as she sipped her Merlot. ‘We will be talking Turkey tomorrow,’ Chet responded. ‘I love this time of year and am looking forward to the campout tonight at Giant City State Park,’ Jane said. ‘I think that the Park is spooky in the daytime when it is cloudy and rainy,’ Billy B. added. ‘Remember The Wiz is going to accompany us tonight and he will have a Halloween surprise I am certain,’ Darryl laughed. ‘I have been visiting Giant City every day in October and I find it peaceful and relaxing,’ Billy B. smiled. ‘Yes until you see a ghost or a witch or perhaps even…Frankenstein,’ Jane mused.

There were still many vibrantly colored leaves in the City…but alas some have fallen to the wet ground. Camping on Halloween night requires some inner fortitude. The weather forecast called for a low of 48 degrees and cloudy. The stone building, which was open on both sides, had two fireplaces in it…and two electric light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. When our Halloween Campers arrived they found a Jack-O-Lantern situated under a tree near the stone structure…but there was no one to be seen. ‘The Jack-O-Lantern is freshly carved and appears to be placed for some Halloween ritual or party,’ Neva J. said with a pervasive interest. ‘It has been said that there is a witches coven that has a Hallows Eve Ritual here each year,’ Chet said. ‘What…and we are sleeping next door to the event…did we not reserve the Stone House,’ Jane asked with a quaver in her voice. ‘We did reserve it and the caretaker smiled a toothless smile when he took the reservation…he commented, ‘This will be interesting…very interesting.’

The fire crackled merrily and the hot apple cider flowed smoothly. Hot dogs and hamburgers and candy corn were eaten heartily and every falling acorn was dutifully checked by the torches that Darryl had packed for the event. ‘You do realize that Salem, Massachusetts is not the only enclave for people who practice witchcraft…Southern Illinois has a rich history of those who follow the Pagan Faith,’ The Wiz asked the group. ‘Almost every town and village in Little Egypt has at least a witch or two,’ Chet added. ‘I have heard that they are afraid to reveal themselves during much of the year…but let it all hang out…on Halloween,’ Neva J. said with a glint in her eyes and an evil grin.

‘Mylo is with us and he will protect us…he already has his little red sweater on,’ Billy B. laughed. ‘Yip…Yip…Yip,’ added Mylo. Then the singing…began. The Wiz was the first to go and see what or who was singing. It sounded a bit like the chanting of the witches in the movie Rosemary’s Baby.

‘Where are we…this is not the Stone House…we are in the movie…Rosemary’s Baby…’ said Chet with a shudder. ‘Wake up Chet…you fainted from the smoke from the fireplace…the damper was closed,’ Billy B. said.

After a night of fitfully tossing and turning…morning came. ”I am certainly glad Halloween has passed for another year…I heard singing and chanting all night….noises like someone was walking about just outside the building,’ Jane said. ‘Someone has left their witches hat and broom…and who left the Black Bassinet…