"Listen!" whispered Elaine.

There was the noise again. This time it was more as though some
one were beating a rat-tat-tat with something on a rock. It was
weird, uncanny, as all stood there, none knowing where the strange
noises came from.

"It's the haunts!" cried Aunt Tabby, trembling a bit. "For three
nights now we've been hearing these noises."

Around and around the room they walked, still trying to locate the
strange sounds. Were they under the floor? It was impossible to
say. They gave it up and stood there, looking blankly at each
other. Was it the work of human or superhuman hands?

Finally Joshua went to a table drawer and opened it. He took out a
huge, murderous-looking revolver.

"Here, Miss Elaine," he urged, pressing it on her, "take this--
keep it near you!"

The noises ceased at length, as strangely as they had begun.

Half an hour later, they had all gone back to bed and were asleep.
But Elaine's sleep now was fitful, a constant procession of faces
flitted before her closed eyes.

Suddenly, she woke with a start and stared into the semi-darkness.
Was that face real, or a dream face? Was it the hideous helmeted