“That’s what Cæsar says,” spoke up Grant. “I remember in his Commentaries he wrote that ‘men believe that which they wish to believe.’ But, Mr. Sanders, don’t you think there’s something very strange about what George and I heard there to-night?”
“There may be,” admitted Mr. Sanders, “but there have been so many stories told about the old house that I do not know whether you boys thought you heard something or really did hear it.”
“You would have known if you had been with us,” spoke up George quickly.
“Well, I shall be with you soon and then we will try to find out. I cannot believe there is anything wrong there, so we might as well have our dinner and then we will start.”
The plan of Mr. Sanders was followed, and directly after dinner the Go Ahead boys, together with George’s father, started once more for the place which had been the scene of so much excitement throughout their summer vacation.
Upon the suggestion of Mr. Sanders a lantern was taken with them. When they arrived at the familiar spot beneath the old oak tree the lantern was lighted and all five started across the fields toward the Meeker House.
No one spoke until they arrived at the front door, which now had become a familiar spot to all four boys. Without a word Mr. Sanders pushed open the door and stepped within the room. Instantly there was a great fluttering of wings, for the chimney-swallows, startled by the light as well as by the unexpected entrance of the visitors, were displaying their alarm by their frantic cries and swift flight. No other sounds, however, were heard when the birds at last became more quiet.
“Where did you say the trouble was?” inquired Mr. Sanders.
“In the room upstairs,” answered George.
“The one directly over this?”