She was still thinking of the old estate when she tumbled into bed. Perhaps Cara’s tale of “ghosts” had disturbed her more than she knew for her dreams were of the wildest sort. It seemed to her that she had slept half the night when she was awakened by a loud cry from the basement. Actually, she had been asleep only a few minutes.
“What was that?” she asked herself nervously, sitting up in bed. “I hope it isn’t a burglar!”
The sound was not repeated but she could hear something banging about in the basement. After a moment of indecision she decided to investigate. Slipping into her bathrobe, she stole softly down the stairway. She could hear someone coming up the basement steps and scarcely knew whether to retreat or stand her ground.
Suddenly the cellar door was flung open and Uncle George stomped angrily into the kitchen.
“Say, who left a tub of water at the foot of the stairs?” he demanded crossly. “Look at me!”
The sight struck Madge as extremely funny and she made the mistake of laughing.
“If this is your idea of a joke—” Mr. Brady began threateningly.
Madge hastily assured him that the tub of water had not been intended for him, but it was some time before she could clear herself. She finally coaxed him into a better humor and left him foraging contentedly in the refrigerator.
The next day she did not forget her resolution to question Cara Wayne. During algebra class, when the teacher’s back was turned, she passed a note, asking Cara to wait for her after school.
“I want you to tell me more about the Swenster ghost,” Madge commanded as they linked arms and started away from the building.