ejaculated Giant. "He
and the parrot probably traveled together."
"In that case, let us try to find Mr. Ghost," said the doctor's
son. Now the mystery of the ghostly voice was explained he was
no longer afraid.
"What will we do with the bear?" asked Snap.
It was voted to leave the carcass where it was, and this decided
upon, the young hunters looked around for some way of getting down
the cliff.
"Here's a rope ladder!" cried Snap. "Boys, do you know what I
think?" he added.
"What?"
"I think we are near to where that ghost lives!"
"Then let us pay him a visit and ask him what he means by his
outrageous conduct," answered the doctor's son.
Then all commenced to descend the rope ladder, which led to the
bottom of the cliff.
CHAPTER XXXI
THE LAST OF THE GHOST---CONCLUSION
It was a strong ladder and put up with care, so the young hunters
had no fear of falling. At the foot they discovered a well-defined
trail running along the base of the cliff to where gushed forth a
small stream of pure, cold water. Near the spring was an empty can,
evidently used as a drinking cup. The boys were thirsty and all
took a drink. Then they continued on the trail, until they came
in sight of a small log hut, almost hidden among the trees and bushes.
"Perhaps that is where Mr. Ghost lives," suggested Whopper, trying
to speak as lightly as he could, although his voice trembled slightly.
"We can knock on the door and ask," answered Snap.
"Beware!" came suddenly, from the vicinity of the hut. "Come
not a step nearer, if you value your lives!"
And then they saw the ghost like figure in yellow, with the dangling
red horns, moving among the bushes.
For just one moment the young hunters were badly frightened and
inclined to run. Then they gazed at each other questioningly and
stood their ground.
"We want to talk to you!" cried Snap. "We know you are a humbug."
"Yes, and we know all about your parrot," added the doctor's son.
He did not deem it wise to mention that they had killed the talking
bird.
"Go away! Go away!" answered the figure in yellow. "This forest
is mine! The lake is mine! Go away, ere it is too late!"
"I believe that man is crazy!" whispered Whopper. "Maybe he thinks
he owns the earth!"
"He is certainly no ghost," answered Snap. "But if he is crazy,
we'll have to be careful how we approach him. He may try to shoot us."
"See here, sir!" shouted the doctor's son
|