could find it in our hearts to refuse her hospitality. Even that
diversion, however, did not prevent us from talking of nothing
else but the strange noises, and I think, as we waited, we all got
into the frame of mind which would have manufactured them even if
there had been none.

We were sitting about the room when suddenly the most weird and
uncanny rappings began. Rusty was on his feet in a moment, barking
like mad. We looked from one to another.

It was impossible to tell where the noises came from, or even to
describe them. They were certainly not ghostly rappings. In fact,
they sounded more like some twentieth century piece of machinery.

We listened a moment, then Kennedy walked over to the fireplace.
"You can explore it with me now, Walter," he said quietly,
touching the lever and opening the panel which disclosed the
ladder.

He started down the ladder and I followed closely. Elaine was
about to join us, when Kennedy paused on the topmost round and
looked up at her.

"No, no, young lady," he said with mock severity, "you have been
through enough already--you stay where you are."

Elaine argued and begged but Kennedy was obdurate. It was only
when Aunt Tabby and Joshua added their entreaties that she
consented reluctantly to remain.