“There it goes again, Jack! Didn’t you catch it that time? I tell you it means something. Hark! now will you believe me?”
Josh was growing more and more excited. He even raised his voice above the low tone in which up to now they had conversed. But small danger of any of those sound sleepers being so easily awakened. It would require a shaking to accomplish that.
Jack certainly did hear the sounds now. These consisted of a strange clacking, the nature of which it was impossible to guess. Then would come a plain, unmistakable groan! No wonder poor Josh shivered, and turned cold with apprehension, considering what his recent belief had been.
“Oh, my! there’s sure something moving up there, Jack! Don’t you see it—over by that place where we saw the silver birch? Watch it, Jack! There, look! look!” and as he spoke Josh raised his voice still more until it almost became a shout.
Movements told that he had finally succeeded in arousing the sleep squad. Nick was heard to yawn, and grumble, as usual; while Herb poked his head out from the side curtains to ask what all the row meant.
“Didn’t I tell you it would come?” shouted Josh suddenly. “Just look there on that blamed island, and see what we get for sticking here! Now laugh at me for believing in ghosts, will you? Herb, can’t we cut the anchor rope, and make a quick getaway? Please say yes, because I’m that scared I’m shaking all over!”
And every eye was by this time glued upon the strange spectacle ashore that had given poor Josh his fright.
[CHAPTER IX—THE GHOST OF THE ISLAND]
“Wow! it’s sure a banshee!” whooped Jimmie.
“A-am I dreaming, fellows?” exclaimed Herb, rubbing his eyes desperately.