“Look!” said John, calling them to the half-round window. “Did you ever see a wilder sight.”
“Never,” Mary Dare gripped his arm hard.
Since the old house stood on the crest of the hill they could see far away across the treetops.
The wind was at its wildest.
“See how the trees twist and sway,” the girl whispered.
“As if each one had some monstrous serpent twined about it crushing out its life,” said Jimmie.
“Gosh, how the old house shakes and shudders!” the girl exclaimed, as a tremendous peal of thunder fairly set the massive beams creaking.
“They say,” John’s tone was impressive, “that when the foundation of this house was laid they dug down twenty feet to the limestone rock and set it there. I am not sure that’s true but there is a wine-cellar beneath the main cellar.”
“Perhaps that’s where the treasure is hidden,” suggested Mary.
“Not there,” said John. “I was down there only two days ago. Two great casks and three wicker-covered flasks in a dark corner was all I found.