Hardly had Alec spoken that last low word than a thrilling sound came
floating to the ears of the four listening scouts. None of them could
ever describe what it was like; indeed, it seemed to possess a character
all its own, and somehow caused the "goose-flesh" to creep over their
bodies, even though they knew the origin of the uncanny cry.

The two tramps had jumped back at the first outburst. They seemed to
be staring wildly toward the "donjon tower," as Alec persisted in
calling the round structure at one end of the imitation castle.
Louder and louder grew the racket. Billy laid a trembling hand on
Hugh's arm as though seeking comfort from personal contact with the
scout master.

Presently the pair of hoboes appeared to have reached the limit of
their endurance. One snatched the dead fowl that had possibly been
stolen from some farmyard on their way up from the railroad; while
the other hastily gathered the rest of their primitive possessions
in his trembling hands.

Then, as another fearful burst of strange cries broke forth from the
haunted castle, the two men started wildly on the run. Faster and
faster grew their pace as Monkey blew more furiously on his home-made
"goose-call" with telling effect. As they passed the spot where Hugh
and the other three scouts were lying in concealment, the alarmed
pair could be heard giving vent to excited remarks, and some strong
language as well, though neither of them seemed to possess the nerve
to turn his head and look back so as to find out if they were being
pursued.

So they went out of sight along the crooked trail they had made in