There was now but one girl left to each skeleton, and these placed their fair, white arms about the necks of the horrible objects.
The music now clashed into a sound like the shriek of a doomed soul, and then both girls and skeletons began to rise slowly in the air.
“By heavens!” exclaimed Leo, springing to his feet; “I am going to know the cause of some of this humbug.”
Springing forward, he seized one of the girls about the waist and gave a tug downward.
Then something snapped above them, and down came the girl, bringing the skeleton with her, knocking the daring boy flat upon his back.
[CHAPTER VI.
“ESTO PERPETUA.”]
Leo Malvern sprang to his feet, and seized the girl by the shoulders.
“Utter a single cry and I will kill you!” he exclaimed.
She seemed to understand him, for she did not make the least effort to cry out.