expecting anything of the sort, and possibly there was that about
the air of that haunted mansion which caused all of them to be a bit
more nervous than usual.

Monkey Stallings led them around to one side of the rambling building.
As they went, they were loud in their expressions of amazement and
even delight, for really, it was an impressive sight to the eyes of
American lads not accustomed to crumbling ruins of old-time castles,
where doughty knights of the Middle Ages may have fought in tournament
with lance and sword.

"Wait up a bit, please, fellows!" suddenly exclaimed Alec. "I couldn't
find a better view of the castle than right here, with that sun blazing
along the walls, the turrets and that magnificent donjon tower. I
want every one of you to be in the picture at that, so place yourselves
as I tell you."

Alec was something of a photographer, and had many good views in a
book at home. He fully expected to do wonderful things with this
expensive outfit, since the lens alone cost three times as much as
his other camera complete.

When he had snapped off several views he declared himself satisfied.

"In the morning, if the weather holds good," he remarked as he gave
them the "high sign" that he was through, and that they need not pose
any longer, "I mean to pick up a couple of views from the other side.
The morning sun will allow me to do that, you understand. And now,
Monkey, where did you climb inside?"