Rather soberly, the girls went to their rooms. Because Miss Ward was with them, they had no fear of spending a night in the cottage. Nevertheless, they were somewhat tense with expectancy.
Ardeth was removing a shoe, when suddenly she stiffened. “Listen!” she directed. “What was that?”
“I heard nothing,” returned Virginia.
“I thought I heard a thumping sound in the cellar,” Ardeth insisted in a hushed voice.
“That was your own heart pounding, goose!” teased Kathleen. “Jump into bed, and stop imagining things.”
Ardeth obediently turned off the bedroom light. Going to the window, she opened it, and stood for a moment, gazing toward the dark forest which edged ominously close to the cottage lawn.
“Kathleen! Virginia!” she summoned the others, drawing in her breath.
“Now what?” Kathleen demanded.
“Come here, quick! Tell me what you see.” Dramatically, Ardeth pointed toward the towering trees.
Virginia went quickly to the window, peering in the direction indicated. She stood silent and tense, scarcely believing her own eyesight.