The howls stopped as suddenly as they started – only they left the air heavy and spooky.

          I scanned our surroundings to make sure we were safe when I saw them.

          Sitting on a nearby log, partially hidden by some overgrown underbrush, were Miles and Sarah and Luke and they were laughing…hysterically.

          Instantly, I knew what had been howling…or who had been howling I should say.  The nerve.  I glared at them.  Who did these newcomers think that they were anyway?

          They were still laughing as I looked at Tess.  She was bright red and as furious as I was.

          I took a deep breath and called them over…hoping to scare them with our little find.

          I was successful.  Miles caught his breath – heavy like.  Sarah shrieked and quickly stepped back and Luke ran behind his sister.  The little boy started to cry.

          Tess’ face softened.  She went to Luke.

          “It isn’t a person, Luke.”  Tess bent down to look him in the eyes.  “It’s a dog or something.”
          This did not help as Luke began to cry louder.

          Sarah tried to comfort her brother.  “It’s ok,” she said.  “Hush now.”

          “But I know what happened to it.  A ghost killed it.  Ghosts can tell if someone or something is a ghost.  Dogs are always the ones to warn humans about ghosts.”  He said.

          Tess smiled.  “Luke, there’s no such thing as ghosts.  They’re pretend…on television and movies and stuff.”

          Miles stepped between them.  “You’re wrong Tess.”  His face grew stern and hard beyond his young years.  There are lots of those skeletons in these parts and all of them are from ghosts.  Ghosts clean a skeleton without breaking any bones or making a mess.”

          “Please!”  Tess rolled her eyes.  “You are so a liar,” she said.  “You mean to tell me that you think there are ghosts around here?”  She demanded.

          Miles met her glare, but did not reply.

          “Are you?”  Tess demanded again.

          Miles’ eyes grew big as something behind Tess seemed to catch his attention.  His expression changed.  “Oh my G---!”  He shouted.  “By the tree!”