"Nope; we've come for you," was the answer of the first masker, who spoke in a disguised voice.
Tug looked as resolutely as he could into the eyes behind the mask, and asked rather nervously a question whose answer he could have as easily given himself:
"Well, now that you're here, what do you want?"
Again the disguised voice came deeply from the somber-robed leader:
"Oh, we just want to have a little fun with you."
"Well, I don't want to have any fun with you," parleyed Tug, trying to gain time.
"Oh, it doesn't make any difference whether you want to come or not; this isn't your picnic—it's ours," was the cheery response of the first ghost; and the other black Crows fairly cawed with delight.
Still Tug argued: "What right have you men got to come into my room without being invited?"
"It's just a little surprise-party we've planned."
"Well, I'm not feeling like entertaining any surprise-party to-night."