The Austins and Mr. Short were struck dumb with astonishment; the Raymonds did not speak either, but the next moment a loud, “Ha, ha, ha!” coming apparently from among the branches of the nearest tree, was followed by the squeaky voice:
“You can’t see me? That’s only because you don’t look in the right place; I’m big enough to be seen by the naked eye, even at a considerable distance.”
“But ye’r always playing at hide and seek,” said Riggs, “and a body can’t never find ye.”
“Why who is he? and where is he?” queried Albert, staring up into the tree; “his voice seems to come from among those branches, but I see nothing there.”
“It is growing dark,” remarked Captain Raymond in reply.
“Yes, sir; but still I think I could see a man or boy if he were really there.”
“Come up on to the porch roof, all of you,” called the voice, now seeming to come from there; “it’ll be the best place to see the fireworks from.”
“It is time to begin setting them off; isn’t it, papa?” asked Lulu.
“Yes,” he said, and Max, springing down the steps and the walk to the gate, in another minute had sent up a sky-rocket, and as it darted skyward the same squeaky voice cried out from the upper air, “Up I go!”
“There, did ye hear that?” screamed Riggs. “He’s gone up with the rocket. He must be a wizard.”