The next moment a piercing scream rang out—the same they had heard once before—only so much more terrible to them now—so hideous—so fiendish!
The old colored man tried to move, but he stood as if transfixed.
Major Dale was major again, there ready to order, to command—erect, brave, bold, defiant.
Nat never seemed to move.
Tom stood waiting for his orders.
Dorothy and Tavia fell back terrified.
"That scream came from a human being," spoke the major finally. "We must investigate at once. Here, Abe, you take this lamp." Trembling as if he had the ague, the old colored man took the lamp from the mantel. "Tom, you have an ax. Nat, your gun may be handy. Now, girls, don't be alarmed. We are too many for any one here. Just sit there in that corner while we look about."
To all, save Abe and the girls, there was a fascination about this weird hunt. Something or some one screamed. This was surely a vigorous type of ghost.
"Easy, now!" whispered the major as they turned the end of the hall "There!" he exclaimed. "I saw a light flash back of that double door!"
"So did I," agreed Tom, "Let's look in the room."