. He vowed he
saw lights, and heard screams. He's the fellow who drove the woman out
here--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 eye
on the end of the long passageway. He had seen a light flash back
there--he could have sworn to it.

"Here he is!" called Dorothy. "I knew old Abe would come in when I asked
him. 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 once
before--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 must
investigate at once. Here, Abe, you take this lamp." Trembling as if he
had the ague, the old colored man took the lamp from the mantel. "Tom, you
have an ax. Nat, your gun may be handy. Now, girls, don't be alarmed. We
are too many for any one here. Just sit there in that corner while we look
about."

To all, save Abe and the girls, there was a fascination about this weird
hunt. Something or some one screamed. This was surely a vigorous type of
ghost.

"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 opened
the 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 Major
Dale. "Now to find the door."

Nat took the light from Abe, and flashed it up and down the heavily
paneled walls.

"It's some secret passage, likely," said the major. "Every old house has
one, I believe."

"What's--this?"

Nat had come upon a joining in the w