ng that Mary Stuart or Darnley or Bothwell, whose names they
had made so free with shouting to the echo, must have heard themselves
called and were ringing the bell, although not allowed to show
themselves; but even as they said it the boys would fain have whistled
to keep their courage up.

"I wish papa and mamma had been at home," said Bell.

"Or if only the Parkers could have been persuaded to stay all night,"
suggested Jessie.

"Nonsense!" Bessie said. "Some one is playing us a trick, but we don't
need to let it spoil our game;" and she put the handkerchief over
her eyes. "Look here, Edwin: will you tie this? You do it better than
John."

"He doesn't," said John. "I believe he leaves it so that you can see.
I'll do it. No, I won't make it too tight."

"Don't you think, Jessie," Edwin asked, "that I could protect you, in
case of danger, as well as the Parkers?"

"I don't know. Perhaps if you were like yourself, but you're not like
yourself."

"He's as dull as ditch-water," said John.

"But," said Jessie, taking his hand with a feeling of security,
"you're better than nothing--a great deal better than nothing."

"Thank you, Jessie, thank you! A man is the better for a little
encouragement, you know;" and he looked at the Rose, but she was
blind; which made her easier looked at, to be sure, but there was less
chance of an answer, encouraging or otherwise.

They had got up the spirit of the game again, and were going on
briskly, when they were all brought to a stand by the bell ringing for
the third time.

"Don't stop," cried Bessie: "go on with the game and take no notice
unless it rings again;" and as a leader who must show no fear she
chased her sisters round the kitchen, making them flee to avoid being
caught, when, as if in answer to her remark, the bell did ring again.

This was too much. They all ran to the door, but neither human being
nor ghost was to be seen.

"I say," said John to his brother, "you and I will go out and watch.
Edwin, you'll stay with the girls--they are frightened--and if the
bell rings again we'll see who does it."

"You have more need of Edwin than we have, John," Bessie said: "it
will take you all to catch a ghost."

"Come away, then," cried John; and he posted his sentinels at
different angles, where each could have his eye on the door. The girls
shut themselves in the house, and outside and in they awaited the
result.

There was no result.

Ordinary sentinels can