CHAPTER XXIII
THE GHOST THAT REALLY WALKED
It did seem absurd, in spite of the fact that they were snowbound in a"haunted house." The big automobile lamps glared brilliantly from themantel, and Tom, with Nat, found another place to rest--on the long, lowbench that formed a really artistic seat at the foot of the broadstairway.
"Many a gay fellow has rested here, between the dances, don't you think?"asked Nat. "I fancy I hear the other fellow and his girl coming down thestairs at this moment." He threw himself back in a mocking attitude, whileTom bowed to the "girl coming down the stairs."
But the boys were tired; conversation broke into uneven sentences, thenwords fell into syllables and finally there remained only thepunctuation--a full stop.
Dorothy was dreaming that the men in the boats on the Italian marblemantel were coming to rescue her. Tavia had a weakness for brilliantnightmares, and she dreamed that the crystal chandeliers werecoming--coming down, to strike her directly in the face.
She screamed, and every one started up.
"What was it?" cried Dorothy, on her feet in an instant.
Tom and Nat jumped up as quickly, Nat with revolver in hand, and Tomgrasping the hatchet.
"I certainly saw a light at the end of the hall," whispered Nat to Tom."Don't alarm the girls--just watch."
"What was it?" asked Dorothy again.
"Oh, I was dreaming," replied Tavia drowsily, "and that heavy oldchandelier came right down and hit me in the face."
"Keep your dreams quiet next time," said Nat, attempting to laugh. "Yougave us all a start."
"What time is it?" Dorothy inquired.
Tom glanced at his watch.
"Midnight!" he exclaimed. "Would you believe it? We must have all beenasleep."
"And you promised not to shut an eye?" accused Tavia. "How do we know butthat we are all kidnapped?"
Just then Nat grasped Tom's arm.
"The light!" he whispered.
"Oh!"
Dorothy and Tavia had both seen it.
Too frightened to speak, they clung to each other and stood terrified. Tomand Nat stepped farther out into the hallway.
For an instant no one uttered a sound. The next a noise--distinct andwelcome--fell upon their ears--the sound of Major Dale's voice.
"It's father!" called Dorothy, breaking away from Tavia. "Oh, they'vefound us! Let them in! Quick!"
No need to tell the boys that, for the front door was unbolted, and MajorDale rushed in before any of them could actually realize that he had come.
"Oh, father!" gasped Dorothy, falling into his arms. "If you had notcome--I should have died!"
"You poor foolish--babies!" he said. "But let the man in. He's frozen, ifI am not."
Tavia had her arms around the major's neck--he was patting both girlsaffectionately.
"There! there!" he soothed. "Now you are all right. Dad's here, and wewill be all right presently. Norah sent out the relief stuff--you bestarved and perished."
"He won't come in," called Nat, referring to the man outside, "Says he'safraid."
"Oh, the foolish fellow," replied the major. "I had the greatest time toget him here, once he found out I was coming to the castle. He vowed hesaw lights, and heard screams. He's the fellow who drove the woman outhere--Abe, you know."
"Oh, yes," said Nat. "That's it. Well, if he won't come in he'll freeze."
"Perhaps if he sees girls-- I'll go and ask him," volunteered Dorothy,now somewhat composed.
Although they had passed from the rear hall to the front, Tom kept his eyeon the end of the long passageway. He had seen a light flash backthere--he could have sworn to it.
"Here he is!" called Dorothy. "I knew old Abe would come in when I askedhim. Right over here, Abe. See, we have plenty of light--"
As if by magic, or some uncanny power, no sooner had she uttered the word"light" than a brilliant flash was plainly seen at the rear of the hall.
The next moment a piercing scream rang out--the same they had heard oncebefore--only so much more terrible to them now--so hideous--so fiendish!
The old colored man tried to move, but he stood as if transfixed.
Major Dale was major again, there ready to order, to command--erect,brave, bold, defiant.
Nat never seemed to move.
Tom stood waiting for his orders.
Dorothy and Tavia fell back terrified.
"That scream came from a human being," spoke the major finally. "We mustinvestigate at once. Here, Abe, you take this lamp." Trembling as if hehad the ague, the old colored man took the lamp from the mantel. "Tom, youhave an ax. Nat, your gun may be handy. Now, girls, don't be alarmed. Weare too many for any one here. Just sit there in that corner while we lookabout."
To all, save Abe and the girls, there was a fascination about this weirdhunt. Something or some one screamed. This was surely a vigorous type ofghost.
"Easy, now!" whispered the major as they turned the end of the hall"There!" he exclaimed. "I saw a light flash back of that double door!"
"So did I," agreed Tom, "Let's look in the room."
"Come on, Abe," urged the major, for Abe quickly fell behind.
The heavy folding-doors were pushed aside with some effort. This openedthe way into a small room like a butler's pantry.
"What was that?" asked Nat as a noise sounded.
"The shutting of a heavy door--and the light went with it," declared MajorDale. "Now to find the door."
Nat took the light from Abe, and flashed it up and down the heavilypaneled walls.
"It's some secret passage, likely," said the major. "Every old house hasone, I believe."
"What's--this?"
Nat had come upon a joining in the woodwork.
"That's it!" declared the major, examining the crack carefully. "But wheremight it open?"
All, even old Abe, felt the wall, up and down, covering every inch withinreach.
"There!" exclaimed the major finally. "I've covered a square. It opensfrom the other side. Tom, here with your ax!"
Dorothy and Tavia had heard every word. Now they stopped their ears. Itwas too dreadful.
Blow after blow fell on the heavy woodwork.
Chop! Chop! Chop!
But not a word was spoken.
Then the sound of splintered wood.
The panel was falling in.
"Careful!" cautioned Major Dale.
"There she goes!"
Another scream!
"Here, now!" cried the major, seizing the lamp and dashing through theopening with the agility of a schoolboy. "Just surrender, and stop that!"
But he almost fell back--Tom's arm saved him.
"I never!" he exclaimed. "It's old Captain Mayberry!"