“He may be hoaxing us like Hepsy did—better call to him and tell him we haven’t a jewel or a cent with us,” cried Ruth.
But the form remained inanimate. Not another sound was heard other than the cries and talking of the scouts.
Mrs. Vernon went over slowly, keeping the electric light directly upon the form. The two other girls held their candles so that the footpath showed distinctly, as they walked beside the Captain. Ruth and Betty clung to each other where they had been left standing.
“Here! Get up!” ordered Mrs. Vernon, pushing the body gently with her foot.
But there was no sound or motion from the form.
The coat had been removed, but the undergarments looked like good ones, so Mrs. Vernon stooped down the better to see. The right arm was so bent upwards that it covered the face, and it seemed as if the man was sleeping that way.
“Wake up! Do you hear me?” called the Captain, again.
The fearful quiet was the only effect of the second demand, so then Mrs. Vernon carefully removed the arm from the face.
“Oh!” shrieked Julie and Joan, falling back suddenly, and even the Captain cried with horror.
“Help! Help!” screamed Ruth, not sure of what was happening to her friends.