October 31 marks Halloween, the day when fear is celebrated in many parts of
the world. On this day, many people wear strange costumes, make-up, or masks
that are supposed to cause dread in others. But one doesn't need to buy
exotic paraphernalia, for words--arranged properly--are simply enough to
inspire fright. Consider The Monkey's Paw, a short story from English writer
W.W. Jacobs http://www.advsys.co.uk/homepages/chris/shortstr/paw.html. This
little tale also serves as a good reminder of the old adage, just in time for
Christmas: Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. -Anu