"He's gone to see if he can find any footprints in the dust on the floor?" suggested Ty Collins.
At that Chatz gave another grunt, as though to his superior mind it was a very foolish remark; because ghosts never left any tracks behind them. But as he seemed to be in the minority, and knew it was hardly wise to invite another verbal attack, Chatz chose to seal his lips and remain dumb. His triumph would come later on, when they were seated around the glowing fire, and Elmer chose to explain his views of the matter, gleaned at close range.
A short time passed thus. The scouts were keyed up to top-notch pitch, and the seconds dragged fearfully while they awaited the coming of their leader. They could see him moving about, by means of the little glow cast by the hand electric torch he had borrowed from Lil Artha; who felt that his fetching such a useful article along had vindicated his wisdom. Scouts should look ahead, and prepare themselves for all sorts of possible needs. That was what they were learning to do day after day, as they strove to earn new honors, and reach a higher plane in the great organization.
Finally when the waiting scouts were beginning to sigh, and wish Elmer would get through with his searching around, they heard him give the well-known signal that was meant to call them to his side.
"All ready to go back to camp now, fellows," was all Elmer said as they hastened to join him; for it was necessary to pass by that way in heading for the stairs.
Whether or not he had been successful in finding any traces of the mysterious thing they had been gaping at so long, Elmer did not bother telling them just then. That would keep until he was ready to explain fully.
The camp, as we happen to know, was not far removed from the haunted house that had gained such a bad name among the farmers of that section for many years, on account of the sad story connected with its past; and in a short time they filed in before the two guardians of the stores, much to the satisfaction of Landy and Ted.
Of course the pair who had been left behind were eager to know what had happened to their more fortunate comrades who had gone on the ghost-hunting expedition; and they started to bombard Toby and Lil Artha with a series of questions that made the victims throw up their hands.
"Yes, we did see something, and that's right," admitted the latter scout.
"A tall white figure, too," broke in Chatz, who wanted to make sure that nothing was omitted in the telling that ought to be narrated; "and it kept moving up and down again and again like an uneasy spirit. If you asked me I'd say it was the ghost of old Judge Cartaret, come back to visit the scene of his crime!"