"Of course it isn't a ha'nt! Such things can't be! And if it was a ghost, a ghost is nothing but air, and how could air have such a voice as that?"
This reasoning seemed to close the argument. Rose felt that her brother must be right. Besides, Russ went right on talking, and talking very bravely.
"I think we ought to see what the matter is with her, Rose. She is in trouble—maybe she is lost and scared."
"So am I scared," murmured Rose.
"But think how much more you would be scared," her brother said seriously, "if you were in those woods alone and didn't know that there was anybody else near."
"I wouldn't make so much fuss about it," muttered Rose, for she suspected the thought in Russ Bunker's mind and she was really too scared to approve of it at once.
"We've got to find her," said the boy impressively.
"Now, Russ!" almost wailed Rose, "you wouldn't go into those woods? Aren't you scared?"
"Of course I'm scared," said Russ. "Who wouldn't be? But just because I am scared I know the woman must be even more scared. She's got to be taken out of the woods and shown where the big house is. Or, if she is a colored lady, we'll take her to the quarters."
"I—I wish Daddy was here," ventured Rose.