“What is that?” Ted asked.
“Unfortunately,” replied Mr. Calvert slowly. “The camp of the Black Riders is said to be a haunted spot!”
CHAPTER II
IN THE CAMP OF THE BLACK RIDERS
“The camp is haunted!” Ted asked, quickly, leaning forward in interest.
Mr. Calvert smiled. “It is said to be, at any rate. There are all sorts of foolish stories connected with the place, and I have no doubt that people residing in the surrounding country could tell you many of them. It is all probably nonsense, but I thought it better to tell you.”
“Do any of the boys who are going on the camping trip know that the camp is supposedly haunted?”
“As far as I know they don’t, but they will be told of it by someone. You may have a little difficulty on that score, but not much, I think.”
“I don’t think that we will,” affirmed Ted. “Most of the boys are sensible fellows and they will take care of the rest. The camp is some little distance away from here, isn’t it?”
“About forty miles. Some of the parents may wonder why we select a spot so far away, but there is not much real fun out of a camping trip unless the camp is some distance away. There are other spots nearer, but none of them is as ideal as the Black Riders’ Camp, and the trustees wish that particular spot to be used. The creek that runs through the natural basin has a fine curve in it which makes the swimming hole I spoke of and seldom have I seen anything to even equal it for attractiveness. If our boys get a month in a place like that, with constant outdoor work and play, I’m sure that it will do them a world of good.”
“There is no doubt of it,” Ted agreed. “I’m very glad to be in on the thing. Buck and I have had enough camping experience to swing the job and I think we’ll both enjoy the experience of handling a big crowd instead of just a few fellows. How will we get to the place?”