"Take a couple of candles apiece and follow me," Mrs. Gilligan exclaimed. "Ihad your grips all put in the upper hall. Now then, let's find out whatkind of beds we have to sleep in--if any!"

So, with little creepy chills chasing themselves up and down theirspines, the girls obeyed, keeping close together and looking fearfullyinto the dark shadows.

They had just started up the stairs when Violet cried out, her voicesounding sharp in the stillness:

"What's that?"

Right over their heads there came a creepy, slithery sound, followed by aloud thump.

The little childs groaned and clutched each other.

"The ghost!" exclaimed Violet, in a terrified whisper.