“Patsy!” he exclaimed. “What brings you here?”
CHAPTER VII. A REALLY COMPETENT GHOST.
Patsy told his story in a few words.
He had watched the Stevens house all day without discovering anything.
As evening descended, however, his patience had been rewarded.
“She came out,” said Patsy, “and quietly scooted off across the fields.”
“Millie Stevens?”
“Yes.”
“What did she do?”
“She made for that big oak tree which stands in the middle of the field on the right of the road as you go from the station.
“I had to trail carefully, for it was not very dark and there was no cover. So I couldn't get very near her.
“Under that tree a man was waiting. He had a saddle-horse with him. The man and the girl exchanged a few words.
“Of course, I couldn't hear what they said. Neither could I get a line on the man.
“I resolved to get nearer, though it was taking big risks. It couldn't be done. They saw me.
“In a flash the man leaped into his saddle and pulled the girl up in front of him in regular old-fashioned style.
“They were off in no time. It was a fine horse they rode.
“I wasn't in it at any stage of the game. I ran myself out at the end of about a mile.
“They had disappeared in the darkness, but they were taking the road toward this place, and on a venture I came over. I hoped to connect with you, and get instructions.”
“That was right. Come with me.”
“What's up?”
“A ghost hunt, unless I'm very much mistaken. I guess we can join it without any trouble.”
They made their way into the old portion of the house.
In the hall from which the broad stone stairs led up to the second floor they paused a moment to listen.
Steps were approaching. Before they could get into a place of concealment a door opened, and Colonel Richmond entered.
He carried a small lamp in his hand. Horace followed him.
“Gilder!” cried the colonel, seeing Nick disguised as the coachman. “Why were you not present in the parlor?”
“I've just got back to the house, sir,” rejoined the detective, imitating Gilder's Yankee twang”.
“Who's that with you?”
“My cousin, Frank Gilder.”
“What's he doing here?”
“If you please, sir, I brought him over to spend the night with me. The footman and I don't get along very well together, and I don't like to be alone in a room in this house, sir, just now.”
“So!” said the colonel. “I understand that you have seen strange things. Very well; I am going to investigate this matter. I shall pass the remainder of the night in the dining-hall above.”
The colonel led the way up the stairs. The whole party followed him.
“May I ask where the other servants are, sir?” said Nick.
“They will pass the night in the new part of the house,” returned Horace Richmond, with a grim smile. “You can do so if you like.”
“No, sir,” said Nick; “I think I'd rather sleep in my own room so long as my cousin is with me.”
At the head of the stairs they turned at once toward the old dining-hall.
It was proper for Nick to follow, for the nearest way to Gilder's room led in that direction.
It was exactly midnight when they opened the door of the old dining-hall. A cool breath of air swept out upon them, for the thick stone walls of this part of the house resisted the hot weather, and this room had been kept closed.
The colonel shivered slightly in the draught.
