Scarcely had he uttered the last words, when a burst of wild and sepulchral laughter was heard within a few feet of him.

A cry of fear proceeded from Fletcher, and, clutching his book, he ran at wild speed from the enchanted spot, not daring to look behind him.

Indeed, he never stopped running till he passed out of the shadow of the woods, and was well on his way homeward.
Tom Carver and Hiram crept out from their place of concealment.

They threw themselves on the ground, and roared with laughter.
"I never had such fun in my life," said Tom.
"Nor I." "I wonder what Fitz thought." "That the wood was enchanted, probably; he left in a hurry." "Yes; he stood not on the order of his going, but went at once." "I wish I could have seen him.

We must have made a fearful noise." "I was almost frightened myself.