Brandon took the implement offered, and struck it upon the space already stripped, and sunk some eighteen inches below the surface. The ring was that of solid earth that had never been disturbed by a spade.
He tried it in several places, all of which gave back the same sound!
“Clear out the loose mould!” commanded he.
This was done, and once more was the test applied.
“There’s no grave there,” remarked Randall.
“Nor body,” said Spence.
“Not so much as a bone,” added Buck; “no, nor never has been. Dog-gone my cats, if old Rook hasn’t been humbuggin’ us!”
“Ha-ha! He—he—he—he!”
The sounds thus represented were intended for a laugh, that came from the other side of the tree, and in a voice that did not belong to any of the excavating party.
Whatever mirth may have been in the man who uttered them, it failed to communicate itself to any of the six grave-diggers, all of whom, startled at the strange noise, stood staring wildly around them.