"Good for you, Uncle!" and Vernie shouted with glee. "I didn't know you were such an old top, did you, Cousin Rudolph?" "Well, I've known him longer than you have, Flapper, and I'm not so surprised at his wanting a sporting proposition. But, I say, Milly, if we're going to take Tracy, you people ought to see him and give him the once over first. Maybe you won't like him at all." "Oh, your friends are sure to be our friends, Rudolph," said Landon, "but telephone him to run up here, can't you? It's only fair to let him in on the planning." Tracy came, and he made good at once. His ministerial air was softened by a charming smile and a certain chivalry of address that pleased the women and satisfied the men. "What about servants?" he asked, after the main details had been explained to him. "That's what I'm thinking about," said Milly. "I don't want to take our servants, they'd be scared to death in such a place, and, too, we can't go ghost hunting under Charles' nose! He'd sniff at us!" "Right you are!" agreed Landon. "Charles is one estimable and valuable butler, but he's no sort to take on the picnic we're out for." "Don't let's take any servants," suggested Eve, "but get some up there. Natives, you know." "That would be better," said Mr. Bruce. "Then, they'll be used to the place, and can tell us of the legends and traditions, you see." "You're poking fun," said Eve, reproachfully, "but it's true, all the same. Do we go in motors?" "I think so," said Landon. "Two big cars would take us all, and we can leave our luggage to be sent up if we stay." "Of course we'll stay," asserted Milly. "I love that old house already, and if there's no ghost at all, I'll be just as well pleased, and I'll stay the month out, with whoever wants to stay with me." "I'll stand by you," said Norma, "and I'll own up that I don't really expect any spectral manifestations up there, anyway." "It matters little what you expect," and Professor Hardwick looked at her thoughtfully. "We're going investigating, not expecting." "Don't you expect anything, Prof?" asked Vernie, gaily. "What do you mean by expect, child? Do you mean wish or think?" "Gracious, goodness, Professor! I never know what I mean by the words I use, and I never care!" Professor Hardwick's hobby was the use of words, and rarely did he fail to question it, if a word was misused or uncertainly used in his presence. But he smiled benignly on the pretty child, and didn't bother her further. Finally, the men drew together to make up the budget of necessary expenses and the women talked clothes. "Smocks all round," said Norma, who loved the unconventional in dress. "Not for me!" said Eve, who didn't. Milly giggled. "Let every one wear just what she chooses," she settled it. "I'm at my best in white linen in the summer time, but what about laundry? Well, I shall leave two sets of things packed, and then send for whichever I want."