Merriwell told of hearing the singing and again falling asleep, to be finally aroused by the touch of an ice-cold hand and to hear the voice of a woman who seemed to fancy she was speaking to a sleeping babe.
“I take no stock in spooks,” said Hodge; “but I’ll be rather pleased when we get out of this ranch.”
“On the contrary,” averred Merry, “if it were not a breach of hospitality I’d like to remain here for the purpose of solving the mystery.”
Ten minutes later he was sound asleep, and he slept soundly until morning.
CHAPTER XV
CAMERON’S CHALLENGE.
The boys were finishing their breakfast when John, the Chinaman, appeared and stated that there was a gentleman at the door who wished to speak with Frank.
Frank left the table and went to the door, Hodge following him, in case there should be trouble.
Carey Cameron was waiting on the step.
“That heathen is decidedly inhospitable,” laughed Cameron pleasantly, removing a cigarette from his lips and holding it between a discolored thumb and forefinger. “He left me standing out here, like a huckster. But I understand that visitors—with the exception of yourselves—are not welcome in this house.”