"They had disappeared in the darkness, but they were taking the road toward this place, and on a venture I came over. I hoped to connect with you, and get instructions."
"That was right. Come with me."
"What's up?"
"A ghost hunt, unless I'm very much mistaken. I guess we can join it without any trouble."
They made their way into the old portion of the house.
In the hall from which the broad stone stairs led up to the second floor they paused a moment to listen.
Steps were approaching. Before they could get into a place of concealment a door opened, and Colonel Richmond entered.
He carried a small lamp in his hand. Horace followed him.
"Gilder!" cried the colonel, seeing Nick disguised as the coachman. "Why were you not present in the parlor?"
"I've just got back to the house, sir," rejoined the detective, imitating Gilder's Yankee twang".