The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

BLOODY BONES

A MAN HAS JUST DIED. A YOUNG BOY GOES TO THE
CELLAR TO GET HIS MOTHER A CAN OF SARDINES. ON
THE WAY BACK UP THE STAIRS, HE HEARS CHAINS RATTLING
BEHIND HIM. IT IS BLOODY BONES ON THE FIRST STEP.
. . . ON THE SECOND STEP . . . ON THE THIRD STEP . . .
BLOODY BONES IS ON THE TOP STEP, BUT YOU RUN AND
GET YOUR MOTHER AND YOU ARE SAFE.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT HEARD THIS STORY FROM HER BABY-SITTER
WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD

Date learned: 08-00-1964