It was decided that Walter should explain matters over the wire to Mr. Haight, the owner of the bungalow, and ask permission of him to batter down the stone wall that brought the secret passage to such an abrupt end.
“And while you’re about it, Wally,” suggested Jack, “ask him what the whole mysterious business means, what makes those noises, and why spirits, or humans, should have the nerve to sneak into the girls’ rooms and upset the furniture.”
“I’d need a night letter to get all that information,” Walter retorted. “You forget this is long distance telephone rates I’ll have to pay.”
“We’ll whack up on it,” suggested Paul. “Go ahead, Walter, get all the information you can.”
Walter’s stay in the telephone booth was a lengthy one. His chums only caught disconnected murmurs of his talk, but they had glimpses of his face through the glass door and there was sufficient astonishment and satisfaction depicted to whet their curiosity to the utmost.
“Whew!” Walter exclaimed as he came out. “It was some hot in there!”
“Never mind about that!” exclaimed Jack. “Can we tear down that wall?”
“Sure!” gasped Walter. “Mr. Haight was as surprised as we were to hear about it. He’s coming up to have a look.”
“Do we have to wait until then?” asked Jack, in disappointed tones.
“Not at all. He said to go right ahead.”