There were other sounds, a sing-song cry at intervals, and then hoarse laughter and several wild whoops.
"By gum!" exclaimed Gallup. "Saounds jest like one of them air country dances they uster hev over to Billing's Corners, Varmount. The boys called them 'hog wrastles.'"
"See," said Merry, "there is one place that seems more brightly lighted than the others. It's right in[Pg 283] the center of the other lights. Fellows, I believe there is a dance going on down there!"
"Just what I'm beginning to think," said Bart.
"My! my! How nice!" exclaimed Jack. "Let's go right down and get into it! Balance your partners all! All hands around! Let her sizzle!"
"That would be a splendid place for you to get into a dance!" said Frank sarcastically.
"But a dance there!" exclaimed Hodge.
"It does seem mighty strange," agreed Frank. "Still something of the kind is going on. Hear 'em yell!"
And now they could faintly hear the sound of feet keeping time to the music.
"We've struck this place in a most excellent time to get into it," said Merry. "I suppose one of us ought to go back and watch the horses."