“Perhaps it’s one of the workmen coming back,” suggested Terry.
At this Dick shook his head. “No,” he said. “I happen to know that those two men we saw a while ago were the only ones on the job today, and they left in a hurry,” he finished, grinning.
“Well, then, there is only one explanation left.” Arden was glowing with excitement. “Ghosts!”
“Oh, gosh!” exclaimed Sim. “Let’s go! I like to read about ghosts but I don’t like to meet ’em. Come on!” Without waiting for the others, Sim ran from the room.
“Wait, Sim, wait!” Terry called. And when Sim did not return Terry added: “Arden, we’ll have to go too! I don’t like it, either.” Then she turned traitor to the cause and ran after Sim.
There was nothing left, then, for Arden and Dick to do but follow. But Arden lingered a moment in the hall on her way out and listened.
The measured sound above was slowly coming closer. Heavy steps, as though the feet making the noise were encased in thick boots.
“Thud! Thud! Thud!”
Above the first landing all was in darkness, and even Arden, ghost-loving as she was, decided to wait no longer to find out what might be coming down the long stairs.
With a last fearful look she also fled, calling to Dick for protection and stumbling over a loose floor board in her haste.