CHAPTER IX

IN A STORM-HAUNTED WOOD

"The storm is coming!" exclaimed Diane with shining eyes. "Button the
flaps by the horses, Johnny. We're in for it to-night. Hear the wind!"

Overhead the gale tore ragged gaps among the fire-shadowed trees,
unshrouding a storm-black sky. Fearlessly--the old wild love of storm
and wind singing powerfully in her heart--the girl rose from the fire
and faced the tempest.

Rex pressed fearfully beside her, whining. Off there somewhere in the
wind and darkness a dog had barked. It came now again, high above the
noise of the wind, a furious, frightened barking.

"Johnny!" exclaimed Diane suddenly. "There must be something wrong
over there. Better go see. No, not that way. More to the east." And
Johnny, whose soul for thirty years had thirsted for adventure, briskly
seized an ancient pistol and charged off through the forest.

But Aunt Agatha had talked long and tearfully to Johnny. Wherefore,
reluctant to leave his charge alone in the rain and dark, he turned
back.

"Go!" said Diane with a flash of impatience.