"It isn't a ghost, of course, Silvia," I said soothingly, and then repeated my supposition about the lunatic. "Of course I don't believe in ghosts," said Silvia shudderingly, "but it's an awful place and those sounds are like those I have heard in nightmares." "We'll hurry back to the hotel and forget all about it," I urged. I rowed the boat and Silvia sat opposite me. Beth and Rob were in the stern and I had to listen to their conversation. "Of course I felt a little creepy," she admitted, "but then I like to feel that way, and I wasn't afraid." "No, of course, you wouldn't be," he replied somewhat ironically. "You're the new woman type." "No, I am not," she denied. "I wish I were. Silvia's really the strong-minded type." "She didn't act the part when she saw the ghost," he retorted. "It's very unusual for her nerves to give way. Silvia's quite a surprise to me this summer, but I think those funny Polydores have upset her more than Lucien realizes." I wondered if she were right, and once again murderous wishes toward the Polydores entered my brain, and I made renewed vows about disposing of them on our return home. One thing, however, had been accomplished by our expedition. Silvia was more lenient in her judgment on my indulgences of the preceding night. By the time we pulled in at the landing, Silvia had recovered her equilibrium. "Lucien, what the devil do you suppose was in that house?" asked Rob, when we were putting up the boat. "Loons and things," I allowed. "But what was that white arm?" "Some fake thing the village wag has put up to scare the natives." Next morning's stage brought some new arrivals, and among them were two college students who at once were claimed by Beth. She played tennis with one and later went rowing with the other. Rob smoked and sulked, apart. My farmer friend had been garrulous and rumors of the ghost and the haunted house had come to the ears of the hotel inmates, thereby causing a pleasurable stir of excitement. A number of them announced their intention of visiting the place. They asked me to be their guide, but I refused. "It was interesting," I said, "but I think it would be a bore to see the same ghost twice." "I am sure I don't care to go again," was Silvia's emphatic reply when asked to be one of the party. "Ghosts are scientifically admitted and explained," growled Rob, "so I don't see anything to be excited about." Beth accepted the offer of escort of one of the students, so Silvia, Rob, and I remained at home. The night was quite cool, and we played cards in our room. When the party returned, Beth joined us. She looked rather out of sorts.