“Let us out,” I screeched, pounding on the hatch in the hope that the enemy would return and release us.

And now comes the weird part of my story—the beginning of the mystery.

Where … are … you?

The voice came from the other side of the hatch, a peculiar whispering voice.

“We’re under the deck,” cried Peg. “We’re locked in. Let us out. Please.”

I suddenly clutched my chum’s arm. [[25]]

“No!” I cried, in a panic of fear, “No!”

“What’s the matter, Jerry?”

“It’s a ghost,” I cried, crazy. “I saw it in my dream. I heard it. It’s a whispering ghost. Don’t let it in.”

“Ghost? You’re batty.”