Great Hedge, I might say, was the name of a large estate Grandpa Ford
had bought to live on not a great while before. It was just outside the
city of Tarrington, in New York State, and was a fine, big country
estate.

Grandpa Ford looked around the room. He saw Russ and Rose over by the
sideboard, each taking a cookie to eat out in the yard. The other little
Bunkers had already run out, for it was not yet dark.

"As soon as they go I'll tell you why I came away from Great Hedge,"
said Grandpa Ford in a low voice to Mr. and Mrs. Bunker. "It's something
of a mystery, and I don't want the children to become frightened,
especially as they may go up there," he went on. "I'll tell you when
they go out."




CHAPTER III

SOMETHING QUEER


Russ Bunker took a cookie from the dish on the sideboard, handed one to
Rose, and then the two children went out on the porch. Rose was just
going to run along to find Vi, who had taken her Japanese doll to play
with, when Russ caught his sister by her dress.

"Wait a minute, Rose."