“I’ll bet it’s full of rats,” said Larry.
“Or bats,” grinned Sam.
Stepping upon the porch, in the shadow of the columns, the group paused at the entrance, to gaze into a grim, dark passageway.
“Awful black!” commented Larry.
“Real awe-inspiring,” laughed Tom.
“Don’t be afraid, little ‘Fear-not.’ I’ll lead the way.”
The tall lad started briskly ahead, the others crowding at his heels.
It was very dark, indeed, at first; but a warm, mellow light entered through the windows of a room just beyond and served as a guiding star. The sound of voices and footsteps reverberated strangely. The boards creaked a dismal protest to the unusual treatment accorded them, while dust rose up in clouds.
“Hope to thunder we don’t fall into the cellar or some hole in the floor,” said Larry, who was not at all enjoying the experience.
“Floor plenty strong,” assured the young Cree.