Page:The House On The Cliff.pdf/30

 It was then that they heard the laugh!

From the haunted house came a harsh, mocking laugh that rang out in peals of derisive merriment. It continued for several seconds, and could be heard quite plainly even above the noise of the engines and the drumming of the rain on the roof.

Then it stopped, abruptly.

The boys looked at one another.

"Did you hear some one laugh?" asked Frank, unable to believe his ears.

"You bet I did!" exclaimed Chet. "And that does settle it. I'm leaving here right away."

"That was the most nerve-racking laugh I ever heard in my life," declared Jerry. "Let's get out of here, quick."

"Somebody's playing a joke on us!" Frank said angrily. "I'm going back."

"Joke, nothing! That place is haunted. Come on."

And with a roar, Chet's motorcycle leaped forward as he headed down the lane toward the main road. Joe, after looking behind and motioning to his brother to stay with the party, followed him. Soon the three motorcycles were speeding down the lane.

And from the haunted house came peal after peal of that same demoniacal laughter, as though mocking their flight. Then, as they