"It isn't much to see," Michael remarked. "Just a musty old place."
"Michael Gilpatrick," Miss Blossom demanded accusingly, "is there some reason why you don't want us to go in. Out with it--what mischief have you been up to?"
Michael's brown face reddened at the memory of last Saturday night. "I only went after my flashlight," he said a trifle lamely. "I left it somewhere around----"
Miss Blossom jumped up spryly. "Well, anyway, I'm going in," she declared. "Come on, Cal, don't be sentimental!"
I got up too. I found myself suddenly sharing Miss Blossom's curiosity. Eve and Hattie May followed us and, as we reached the door, I saw Aunt Cal and Michael reluctantly bringing up the rear. Aunt Cal wore a strange expression as if some inner force were compelling her against her will.
Miss Blossom pushed open the door and advanced into the kitchen. "My," she snorted, "what a stuffy place! What this house needs is a good airing and"--she glanced sharply around--"a good scrubbing with strong soap and plenty of elbow grease. Look at that range, Cal!"
But Aunt Cal did not look at the range. She was staring ahead at the open door and at the wide hall beyond it. It was as if she expected to see someone advancing out of the shadows.
Then Hattie May's high-pitched voice broke in. "Listen," she said, "what's that noise!"
"I don't hear anything," I said. "And I guess you don't either, it's just your imagination."
"But I did, I tell you. There! There it is again!"
For an instant we all stood listening. And sure enough, there was something, a gentle tapping noise coming from far down the hall. "My land, the place is haunted!" Miss Blossom giggled nervously. "Oh, girls, I'm scared!"
Eve looked at Michael. "Do you know what it is?" she demanded.
He shook his head. "No, but I think it's time I found out!" He walked toward the open hall door as he spoke.
To my amazement, Aunt Cal hurried after him. She was just behind him as he put out his hand for the handle of the parlor door. "Be careful, Cal!" Miss Blossom called in a whisper. "I wouldn't----"
Aunt Cal paid no heed. And as Michael opened the door she advanced with him across the threshold. From where we stood in the middle of the hall we heard a startled exclamation. Then suddenly, like a breath of fresh air, came Michael's clear ringing voice breaking from surprise into laughter. "Hamish! What on earth----?"