“Our first job is to sweep out this dust,” announced Ned, when the great oaken door of the Coleson house had swing open at the turn of his newly acquired key. “Open every shutter and let the wind blow through.”
Coats were discarded and brooms wielded with such good will that all the floored portion of the lower story was speedily cleared of its heavy deposit of dust and dirt. As fast as this was removed, the steel scrapers were put to work and, by the time the long shadows warned of supper time, a creditable showing had been made. A dip in the cold water of the lake removed the grime and refreshed the spirits of the workers, after which they climbed into the little car and rattled away for home, well satisfied with their first day’s progress.
“All members of the orchestra meet for practice at my house tonight at seven-thirty,” directed Jim Tapley, who, by reason of his superior ability, was the acknowledged leader in things musical. “Come on over and listen in, Fatty,” he continued hospitably.
“No, thanks,” declined the plump youth with some fervor. “My nerves are none too strong after such a strenuous day and besides I’ve got an idea that I want to work up.”
When Tommy Beals got an idea, he pursued it with vigor, and long after the last wailing pulsation of the practicing orchestra had melted into midnight silence, Tommy was still busily at work in his own room, upon the walls of which were tacked several cleverly executed copies of his “idea.”
CHAPTER X
A NOTE FROM A GHOST
The week that now followed was one of hard labor, and the long hours of work at the Coleson house were succeeded by earnest rehearsals of the orchestra. Such industry brought gratifying results and hardly had the young people of Truesdell settled to their accustomed routine after the usual Fourth of July celebration, when their interest was aroused by promise of a new attraction. This was heralded by flaming posters, adorned with grinning death heads and bearing the following announcement:
DEMON DANCES
at the
HAUNTED COLESON HOUSE
THRILLS!! MYSTERY!!
PHUN with the PHANTOMS