It did seem absurd, in spite of the fact that they were snowbound in a "haunted house." The big lamps glared brilliantly from the mantel, and Tom, with Nat, found another place to rest—on the long, low bench that formed a really seat at the foot of the broad stairway.  
"Many a gay fellow has rested here, between the dances, don't you think?" asked Nat. "I fancy I hear the other fellow and his girl coming down the stairs at this moment." He threw himself back in a mocking attitude, while Tom bowed to the "girl coming down the stairs."
 
But the boys were tired; conversation broke into sentences, then words fell into and finally there remained only the punctuation—a full stop.
 
Dorothy was dreaming that the men in the boats on the Italian marble mantel were coming to rescue her. Tavia had a weakness for brilliant nightmares, and she dreamed that the crystal chandeliers were coming—coming down, to strike her directly in the face.
 
She screamed, and every one started up.
 
"What was it?" cried Dorothy, on her feet in an instant.
 
Tom and Nat jumped up as quickly, Nat with revolver in hand, and Tom grasping the .
 
"I certainly saw a light at the end of the hall," whispered Nat to Tom. "Don't alarm the girls—just watch."
 
"What was it?" asked Dorothy again.
 
"Oh, I was dreaming," replied Tavia , "and that heavy old chandelier came right down and hit me in the face."
 
"Keep your dreams quiet next time," said Nat, attempting to laugh. "You gave us all a start."
 
"What time is it?" Dorothy inquired.
 
Tom glanced at his watch.
 
"Midnight!" he exclaimed. "Would you believe it? We must have all been asleep."
 
"And you promised not to shut an eye?" accused Tavia. "How do we know but that we are all kidnapped?"
 
Just then Nat grasped Tom's arm.
 
"The light!" he whispered.
 
"Oh!"
 
Dorothy and Tavia had both seen it.
 
Too frightened to speak, they clung to each other and stood terrified. Tom and Nat stepped farther out into the hallway.
 
For an instant no one uttered a sound. The next a noise—distinct and welcome—fell upon their ears—the sound of Major Dale's voice.
 
"It's father!" called Dorothy, breaking away from Tavia. "Oh, they've found us! Let them in! Quick!"
 
No need to tell the boys that, for the front door was unbolted, and Major Dale rushed in before any of them could actually realize that he had come.
 
"Oh, father!" Dorothy, falling into his arms. "If you had not come—I should have died!"
 
"You poor foolish—babies!" he said. "But let the man in. He's frozen, if I am not."
 
Tavia had her arms around the major's neck—he was patting both girls affectionately.
 
"There! there!" he . "Now you are all right. Dad's here, and we will be all right presently. Norah sent out the relief stuff—you be starved and perished."
 
"He won't come in," called Nat, referring to the man outside, "Says he's afraid."
 
"Oh, the foolish fellow," replied the major. "I had the greatest time to get him here, once he found out I was coming to the castle. He he saw lights, and heard screams. He's the fellow who drove the woman out here—Abe, you know."
 
"Oh, yes," said Nat. "That's it. Well, if he won't............