nce no one was visible.

The boys within the tree made no other demonstration till Fletcher
had read the following verse:--

"Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping, something louder than before.
'Surely,' said I, 'surely that is something at my window lattice;
Let me see then what thereat is, and this mystery explore--
Let my heart be still a moment, and this mystery explore;
'Tis the wind, and nothing more.'"

Here an indescribable, unearthly noise was heard from the interior of
the tree, like the wailing of some discontented ghost.

"Good heavens! what's that?" ejaculated Fletcher, turning pale, and
looking nervously around him.

It was growing late, and the branches above him, partially stripped
of their leaves, rustled in the wind. Fletcher was somewhat nervous,
and the weird character of the poem probably increased this feeling,
and made him very uncomfortable. He summoned up courage enough,
however, to go on, though his voice shook a little. He was permitted
to go on without interruption to the end. Those who are familiar
with the poem, know that it becomes more and more wild and weird as
it draws to the conclusion. This, with his gloomy surroundings, had
its effect upon the mind of Fletcher. Scarcely had he uttered the
last words, when a burst of wild and sepulchral laughter was heard
within a few feet of him. A cry of fear proceeded from Fletcher,
and, clutching his book, he ran at wild speed from the enchanted
spot, not daring to look behind him. Indeed, he never stopped
running till he passed out of the shadow of the woods, and was well
on his way homeward.

Tom Carver and Hiram crept out from their place of concealment. They
threw themselves on the ground, and roared with laughter.

"I never had such fun in my life," said Tom.

"Nor I."

"I wonder what Fitz thought."

"That the wood was enchanted, probably; he left in a hurry."

"Yes; he stood not on the order of his going, but went at once."

"I wish I could have seen him. We must have made a fearful noise."

"I was almost frightened myself. He must be almost home by this
time."

"When do you think he'll find out about the trick?"

"About the invitation? Not till he gets a letter from Miss Clinton,
telling him it is all a mistake. He will be terribly mortified."

Meanwhile Fletcher reached home, tired and out of breath. His
temporary fear was over, but he was