it might be haunted," agreed Betty. "Poor
Mr. Lagg! I'm afraid he will never get the money he expects out of that
place. It would never do for a sanitarium for nervous wrecks."

"Oh, I don't know," answered Will. "I've been close to it several times,
and, I think, by cutting down some of the trees that keep out the
sunlight, a good view could be had. Then the place would not be half so
depressing. But of course if it gets a reputation of being haunted that
will settle it as far as people with weak nerves are concerned. Are you
girls going to take up Lagg's offer?"

"We haven't thought of it lately," replied Grace.

"Too busy arranging for our grand tour," added Mollie.

"Well, we fellows may decide to take it up, and get the reward--it would
come in handy for vacation money," said Will.

The car was now descending a slope, and soon Shadow Valley was out of
sight, as was the strange old mansion. The girls breathed easier, and
perhaps the boys did also, for, though nothing had actually occurred,
the reputation of the place, and the sudden and startling appearance of
the old man, had given them all a thrill.

"This is the second time some one has tumbled out almost under our
auto," said Mollie, as they turned on a road toward Deepdale. "The
third time may not be so lucky for them--or for us."

"That's so," agreed Amy. "The first was that girl who disappeared so
mysteriously. I wonder what became of her?"

"So do I," spoke Grace.

"And if she ever went back to the mysterious 'him' of whom she talked?"
added Betty.

"Perhaps it was her--sweetheart--and they had a quarrel," suggested
Will.

"Is it silly to--have a sweetheart?" asked Allen, with a glance at
Betty, whose face was then turned toward him. He saw the flush on her
cheeks deepen.

"Of course!" declared Mollie.

"No, but it's silly to quarrel with them," said Will. "Isn't it, girls?
Especially when they bring you--chocolates."

"It's all some of them are good for!" declared Grace, with a toss of her
head.

"Children--children!" said Amy, pleadingly. "Don't be naughty."

"All right--little mother!" promised Will.

"But, seriously, I often think of that girl," went on Mollie. "She
seemed very nice, and in such trouble."

"Funny about being up a tree, though," said Will, drily. "Maybe she was
one of the original tree-dwellers, and reverted to her ancient days."

"You are hopeless," murmured Grace. "Don't encourage him, girls."

"If they don't I