"Oh, how good I feel!" cried Grace, as there came a pause.
"But how in the world do you imagine this stuff got here?" asked Amy.
"Why seek to inquire?" spoke Mollie. "That it is here is sufficient for me. Another olive, Betty, dear?"
"The—our friend the ghost may have provided it," said Grace.
"You are coming on bravely," commented Betty. "If you will——"
She paused—they all did—mouths half opened. For from somewhere in the structure came a hollow and terrifying groan, and then followed the unmistakable sound of clinking metal, while a bluish light flashed around them. Then came another long-drawn cry—a shrill, eerie wail, and both their lights went out, leaving them in total darkness, while the storm shrieked about the old house, rocking it, and swaying it as though to tear it from its foundations.
CHAPTER XVI
"SO YOU HAVE COME BACK!"
Screams and frightened exclamations on the part of the girls followed the queer manifestations. Even Cousin Jane gave a cry of alarm, and clung to Betty. In fact, everyone was clinging to some one else, the table having been deserted at the first alarm.