"What can it be?" exclaimed Daisy.

"Almost anything," suggested Cora. "But we had best be specific,"
and she started in the direction of the mysterious sounds.

Cecilia followed, as did Bess, while the others held off in
evident fear.

Although it was high noon, in the grove the heavy spruce and cedar
trees darkened the place, and the farther the girls penetrated
into the depths of the wood, the deeper did the shadows close in
around them. Cora picked up a stout stick as she advanced.

"Get me one," begged Cecilia. "We may encounter a bear."

"Human?" asked Cora with a laugh.

"Preferably," answered Cecilia, keeping very close to Cora.

The noises had ceased. The girls halted, waiting for a sound to
give them the clue of direction.

"He's dead!" gasped Cecilia. "It was the drink - he got the
drink, and then died!"

"As long as he got it," whispered Cora. She was anxious to catch
another "groan."

"There!" exclaimed Bess, as a sound, faint but decisive, was heard