"I think somebody ought to remain on guard after this," said Shep,
when it came time to retire.

"We don't know what to expect in such a place as this. There are
the ghosts, and the snakes, and unknown wild beasts, and other things
we know nothing of."

"I am willing," answered Snap. "We can divide the night into watches
of two hours and a half each, and draw sticks for turns," and so it
was arranged.

It must be confessed that the boys were a trifle timid that night,
and those that tried to sleep had hard work to close their eyes.
But no alarm came, and when the sun came up all felt relieved.

"We may stay up here for weeks and never see or hear of that ghost,"
said Snap. "I don't believe it shows itself very often."

"Oh, I don't suppose it appears and disappears by the clock, like
a cuckoo," said Whopper. "It will most likely lay low and scare
us to death when we least expect it."

It was the middle of the forenoon before they were ready to embark
on a tour of the lake. They decided to skirt the entire shore, or
at least such a portion of it as looked inviting, and then pick out
a spot for a regular camp. They proceeded slowly, for there was no
need to hurry and they did not wish to miss any spot that might be
of especial advantage.