As it turned out, he was wrong about that. The last guest didn't show up until we were eating our dessert. That was when the ghost sat down in the em… - Bruce Coville

What terrifies us is what might happen if you learn to use your full intelligence before you become truly civilized. Stars above! If you people find your way into space before you fix whatever's wrong with your spirits, the damage you'd wreak could make what you've done to your own planet look like a forest rangers' picnic.

"We stood at the top of the stairs and looked down. Neither of us moved. I had a feeling we were each waiting for the other to go first.
"Dark down there," said Chris after a while.
"Sure is," I said. I was squinting down the steps, trying to make something out.
"Person might get hurt, stumbling around."
"Sure could," I said.
"They ought to keep it better lit."
"Sure should," I said, getting ready to turn around and leave.
"Well, let's get on with it," said Chris. She started walking down the stairs.
I couldn't believe it! I thought she had been trying to talk herself out of going down there. The truth was, she had just been building up her courage.
Now I had to build up mine!"

"What are you going to do next?"
"Go to bed!" I said, trying to keep down a yawn. "I'm exhausted."
"That's two good moves," he said. "Then what?"
"I'm going to get up."
"And then?" he persisted.
"And then I'm going to find out what's going on in that theater!" I said emphatically.
He nodded. "That's what I figured."
"You don't mind?" I asked cautiously.
"Of course I mind!" he said. "You're probably going to get in as much trouble as people usually do when they stick their noses in other people's business, though I supposed I should be used to that by now."