“Would you? Ha! ha! then you shall soon have a chance, bold youth,” said the voice again.
“Who or what is that?” said old Sir Richard, starting.
“That’s him, master; that’s him! the ghosts! ho-o-o!” said Roger, with chattering teeth.
“This is strange,” thought Wildfire Ned, “there cannot be any doubt but that there is some mystery hanging about the old Hall. I have long been persuaded of it, but it will not do to let my uncle or his people know what I think of this mystery.”
“What is that you are saying, Edward?” asked Sir Richard.
“Nothing, uncle,” he replied. “I was only smiling at the foolish fears of these tremblers here.”
“Come, rouse up all of you,” said old Sir Richard; “and follow me!”
“That’s just what I was about to propose, uncle,” said Ned. “We’ll soon get to the bottom of this strange affair.”
Arming himself with a sword, Wildfire Ned led the way, lamp in hand. “I’ll lead the way,” said he; “follow me! Uncle you can remain behind; there is nothing to fear. I care not for a hundred skeletons, or ghosts either; follow me.”