Mr. Sturdy listened with interest.
“I don’t wonder you were frightened,” he said. “It was enough to terrify any one. I’m glad you told me about it. Forewarned is forearmed. It won’t be pleasant to see or listen to, but it’s very different from having it take you unawares.”
But even though prepared, they were all chilled to the marrow when, an hour later, that frightful shriek was heard and they saw the sheeted figure advancing toward them.
Even as they shrank back before the menacing monster, a shot rang out, and the apparition wavered for a moment and disappeared.
The three of them sprang to their feet in wild amazement.
“Who fired that shot?” cried Don. “Did you, Father?”
“No,” replied his father. “I have no rifle. I thought it was you.”
“I haven’t any either,” replied Don. “Uncle Frank! Uncle Frank!” he shouted, in uncontrollable excitement.
There was a shout of surprise from a passage near at hand, and the next moment the captain, with a flashlight in his hand, followed by the professor and Phalos, came rushing up and threw his arms about Don.
“My dear, dear boy!” he exclaimed, with his voice husky with emotion.