If Mr.Fits got away from this neighborhood it was simply impossible for him to get back since then." "A-a-a-all who he-ear my voi-oi-oice shall die-ie within the hou-ou-our!" came the wail once more.
"O-o-o-h! Please don't!" screamed Hen Dutcher, burrowing in under the massed overcoats.

"Please spare me! I'll be a good fellow after this!" "Keep quiet!" ordered Tom, striding over to the bunk and giving Hen three or four vigorous prods.

"If you don't we'll throw you outside!" "But it's just aw-aw-aw-awful!" chattered the terrified Hen.
Truth to tell, none of the boys were feeling at his best, just then.
Dick's glance passed the face of the clock, showing the hour to be just midnight.
Had it been possible to travel through the forest, the Grammar School boys would have felt sure that it was Fred Ripley's crew.

Then they would have gone forth to see what was up.

But feeling sure that they were the only living beings in this part of the forest, it was impossible to account for the awful sounds that came from without.