A week of sleepless nights and whispers of supernatural intervention in Skelfleet Marsh came to an end on Monday night when the “Phantom Bell-Ringer” of St. Jude’s belfry was apprehended.

Skeptical villagers had organized a night watch following five consecutive midnights in which the heavy tenor bell struck thrice, startling livestock and causing several parishioners to take sanctuary in the Black Bull.

At 11:54 PM, a patrol led by Constable Barnaby found the culprit inside the bell tower access stairwell: a large nanny goat belonging to farmer Walter Drake of Grange Farm.

The goat, named Rufus, had strayed into the unlocked vestry and discovered that pulling on the dangling hemp bell-rope resulted in an enjoyable swaying motion, which it repeated with rhythmic precision.

“The animal displayed considerable stamina,” noted Constable Barnaby in his logbook. “It appeared reluctant to cease its tolling until offered half an apple and a slice of turnip.”

Reverend Timothy Sterling confirmed that no demonology would be required. “We are simply grateful it was a goat and not a minor curate trying out new hymn tunes,” the Reverend remarked.