"Quite likely a stray cat, but still it would not be wondered at if
your nerves got on edge. You are a brave boy, Tom Dare, and I know I
shall hear of brave deeds of yours in the future."

The storm had moderated, and Tom now had to hasten back to camp where
he was welcomed for he had for distribution a large bag of apples,
given him by Jackie's father.

That evening about the camp-fire Tom recounted his adventures to his
friends, and a trip was planned for the next day to explore the
secrets of the old house.

The following morning, after drill and the camp duties had been
performed, Tom, Dick and Ben set out for the scene of the previous
day's excitement.

"I don't believe half of these `haunted house' stories," said Tom,
"ever since-," and here he stopped.

"Yes, ever since you thought we had a real ghost, and suggested
leaving the poor spirit to its own reflection while you and the rest
of us made for home," broke in Dick.

"When was that?" questioned Ben.

"Why, about a year ago," Dick responded, "four of us spent a night in
a house with a `haunted' reputation, and after numerous fake alarms,
caused by the wind shaking the windows or banging the shutters, we at
last got track of the real disturber, who happened along the very