boyish way, continued to joke and tease, until Tavia was obliged to laugh
at her own fears.

Presently Dorothy espied a tree--a pretty young spruce--that seemed to
meet all the requirements of a Christmas tree.

"Over there," she directed Nat, who with hatchet in hand was making for
the desired tree.

The particular tree was situated near a side path, quite close to the old
mansion. Dorothy left her seat and followed Nat, but Tavia remained behind
in the car with Ned.

Suddenly they were all startled by a noise--a shrill scream--or perhaps it
was some wild bird.

"Oh!" cried Tavia, "let's get out of this creepy place. Dorothy! Dorothy!"
she called, "do come along and never mind the tree. I feel I shall die, I
am so--frightened!"

"You!" said Ned with a light laugh. "Why, I thought you just loved
ghosts."

"Now, just stop!" insisted the girl. "If you had gone through the scare
before, as I did, perhaps you would not be so merry."

Dorothy and Nat came toward the car. They had heard the shriek, and could
not understand it. The tree still stood on its frozen mound and was likely
to remain there, for one more night, at least.