“Your dog,” declared the triumphant boy, “was a dead give-away. You must have kept him tied up the most of the time, but when I saw him and noted his color, on the occasion of my friendly call upon you, I decided instantly that he would appear very well as a spook dog if seen in the darkness or through the twilight of evening. I’ve watched you every day since then, waiting for you to come here. At last my vigilance has been fully rewarded.” “Well, now,” said Mr. Granger, for the man in white was indeed the somewhat seclusive young author, “you might come down here and give me a hand with the canoe. It’s light, and I can pull it up alone, as I have many times, but I’m not adverse to your assistance.” “The dog——” “He won’t touch you. He’s the most harmless creature in the world.” Piper descended at once, and together the man and boy lifted the light canoe, bore it across the narrow strip of beach and slid it into the shelter of some bushes, where it was entirely hidden from sight. “Now,” said Granger, “if you wish a little amusement, I’ll show you how easy it is to make intelligent people believe in ghosts. It’s about time for a party from the hotel to come off in a boat with the keen desire of beholding the spirits of Old Lonely and his dog. They will approach the western side of the island. Come on.” His nerves no longer quivering, Piper followed the man and the dog, chuckling to himself. All his fears of the black and gloomy pines had been dispelled, and it was with real difficulty that he kept from dancing and shouting. What would his friends say when he told them? He swelled tremendously with pride and self-importance as he pictured the manner in which he would unfold to them the story of his amazing discernment and sagacity. Surely, it would be an hour of triumph. By the easiest available course Granger led the way to the western side of the island, pausing well within the shelter of the trees, yet selecting a place where he could command a view of the open lake in the immediate vicinity. The lights of the hotel shone brightly at the base of Lovers’ Leap. A gentle purple dusk was thickening upon the face of the water. “They ought to appear within ten minutes,” said Granger in a low tone. “I want you to keep out of sight all the time, and I hope you’ll promise not to let them know by word or sign that you are here.” “Go ahead,” said Sleuth. “I won’t expose you to them, and I’m really eager to watch the sport. But how do you know anyone is coming?” “I received a message from the hotel, telling me that some of the guests would come out tonight to look for Old Lonely’s spirit. One of the bell hops brought me the message.” “Oh, yes,” giggled Sleuth; “I saw him. I was watching your sylvan retreat when he brought that message, but I thought it was one of your stories returned from a publisher.” “You’ve certainly put yourself to a lot of trouble,” muttered Granger. “As a doubting Thomas or Billy, you’re the real thing.”