The hooting of a distant owl was all the sound that troubled the dead stillness.
Tom's reflections grew oppressive.

He must force some talk.

So he said in a whisper: "Hucky, do you believe the dead people like it for us to be here ?" Huckleberry whispered: "I wisht I knowed.

It's awful solemn like, AIN'T it ?" "I bet it is." There was a considerable pause, while the boys canvassed this matter inwardly.

Then Tom whispered: "Say, Hucky--do you reckon Hoss Williams hears us talking ?" "O' course he does.