"Phantasms don't carry people off," said Eve, contemptuously. "And though I'd like to consider this plan, I'd only do so, if we were all in earnest as investigators, whatever our opinions may be." "Come on, let's go," said Landon. "I think it a great little old scheme. Make up a party, you know, but every one who joins must promise to be earnest and honest. Must promise to do nothing to fool or mislead the others, but keep a fair and open mind for any developments. Of course, there won't be any developments, but we can have a jolly time and we can have wild discussions." "Wynne would rather have a discussion than eat," said his wife. "I'll go, and I'll be the housekeeper and chaperon of the crowd, if, as Wynne says, there'll be no developments. I'd love the outing, and I think this a splendid party to belong to. And let's take Norma Cameron. She's a sensitive, or whatever you call it, and she'll help you out, Eve." "Why make the party any larger?" asked Eve, a little petulantly. "The crowd here now seems just right and congenial and all that." "Why lug in Norma?" said Braye, smiling. "I don't know said Norma, but I agree with Eve that the party here is just sort of complete." "Yes, I will take Norma. The poor child never gets an outing, and she'd just love this chance." "You talk as if we were going to a summer resort," said Landon. "In the first place, Milly, I doubt if we can find a properly haunted house in a pleasant locality, that is for rent." "Of course we can't," declared Mr. Bruce. "The whole scheme is idiotic. But if you can work it out, Landon, I'll go along, and take this little piece of property." He looked smilingly at the eager-eyed Vernie. "She's due for some fun after her school work, and if she likes this stunt, let's try to put it over." "How would you set out to find a house?" asked Braye. "Advertise," said Landon, promptly. "I know a firm of real estate agents, that I'll bet could manage it in short order. Say we try it?" "I'm going to take Norma," insisted Milly. "Mayn't I, Wynne?" "Take anything or anybody you wish, my cherished one. But then, oughtn't we to have another man?" "Yes," said Milly, decidedly. "I hate a bunch of hens, without plenty of menfolks about. Who knows a nice, good-natured, all round adaptable dinner man?" "I know just the chap," said Braye, "but he's a minister. Or, at least, he used to be. But he's an awfully good fellow, and most agreeable parlour company." "What's his name?" asked Landon. "Tracy. I met him first in Chicago, some years ago, and I've always liked him." "All right, if Milly asks Norma, you ask your friend, but it's a case of first catch your house!" "It's got to be a nice house, and fairly comfortable," Milly stipulated, "or I won't go." "It's got to have a well-authenticated ghost, or I won't go," laughed Braye. "I don't believe in the things, but I'd like to have a chance to hear their clanking chains, or whatever they perform on."