Lieutenant Boggs and his party, however, had come to a sudden halt.
“Hist!” exclaimed he. “I heard something move in the corner yonder.”
His followers quickly came to a standstill, when an oppressive silence hung over the lonely scene.
“Man or devil, come forth!” challenged Boggs, trying to appear calm though he was trembling with fear.
No reply was made by word or move.
The Wizard Scout stood in the darkness grimly watching them.
“’Twas nothing!” exclaimed the boldest of the squad. “The first sound we heard was but the branches of the pine striking against the side of the house. Let’s get out of this. We are losing valuable time. Hark! Jones is calling for us.”
“Yes; we have fooled here long enough,” assented Boggs. “Here seems to be a door leading out at the end of the house. Let’s go out this way.”
Glad to escape from the place, the Confederates hastily passed out into the night.
Had they looked back by the light streaming in through the door they had opened they might have discovered the tall figure of Old Fatality standing in the background, a smile upon his bronze visage.