for the holidays, and I will
need a lot of help to-morrow."

This order broke up the evening party, and as the girls were quite tired
after the run to the woods and its consequent incidents, they made no
protest.

There was, however, some whispering between the boys before they left the
room. Then Nat stayed behind and detained the girls--he had something very
important to consult them about. Ned and the younger boys went directly
upstairs.

A half hour might have passed, during which time Nat seemed at his wits'
end in his efforts to keep the girls interested. Finally Dorothy jumped up
and declared she was going upstairs. Tavia followed, but Nat managed to
reach the second landing in advance of them by going up the servants'
stairs.

He called good-night from the hall that led to his own room, and soon all
was quiet, and the ghost of Mayberry Hall evidently forgotten.

Between the two alcove rooms, occupied by Dorothy and Tavia, was a long
wardrobe closet. Into this both girls put such belongings as might not be
used daily--a sort of "dress-up" clothes' closet. It was in this closet
that street apparel was placed, so that on the night of the auto ride both
Dorothy and Tavia had something to hang on the padded hooks there.

"I'm going to town in the morning," said Dorothy to her chum as she went
to the hall closet. "I simply could not do any shopping the other day. Do
you want to come, Tavia?"

"I don't think so," replied Tavia; and as she spoke a shadow crossed her
face. "I simply hate to shop."

"Oh, very well," said Dorothy somewhat stiffly. "I only thought you might
have some more things to buy."

"I'm--I'm--broke," declared Tavia frankly. "I always am at this time of
the holiday season," and she seemed anxious to restore a more genial
atmosphere.

A moment later she followed Dorothy out to the hall closet. Dorothy had
stepped back to make room for her chum. Tavia pushed some garments rather
roughly aside to make a place for the heavy cloak, thrusting her arm well
into the depths of the closet. No sooner had she done so than she jumped
back, uttering a scream of fright.

"What's that?" she cried. "I thought I felt--Dorothy, turn up the light!"

Then, as the fear took greater hold on her, she cried:

"Oh, help! There's a man in the closet! Run, Doro! run! Help, somebody!"

Dorothy did not pause to turn up the lights. She swung around and fled
with Tavia, who continued to scream, while Dorothy, too, u