"So did I," added Larry, nodding.
A laugh, a distinctly human laugh, shrill and mocking, was wafted to them. The boys gazed questioningly at each other. Larry glanced about apprehensively. Then out of the night came the most weird, most demoniacal laugh any member of the Tramp Club ever had heard.
The boys sprang to their feet.
Other laughs, accompanied by shrieks, followed each other in quick succession. The laughs seemed to come from all quarters. It was difficult to say from just what particular point any one of them did come.
"Spooks!" yelled Larry Goheen, bolting toward the lake. Billy caught and jerked him back.
"No, you don't," growled Billy. "We stand together."
"I don't want to stay here," chattered Larry. "I never try to fool people with fake courage when I know that running is my one best course to pursue."
"Is there a lunatic asylum in this part of the country?" asked Baker. "Can it be possible that any of the inmates have escaped."
Billy Gordon shook his head. "Nothing as easy as that," he sighed.
"Great Scott! There it goes again!" breathed Larry. "It's down that way, too," pointing in the direction taken by Harriet Burrell.