abruptly ceased. “George, don’t you think you had better leave your automobile up here on the road and not take it clear down to the house?” inquired Fred in a whisper, when they drew near the place they were seeking. “What for?” inquired George. “Oh, nothing, only I thought it would be more out of the way there. You see the house is on the corner and if some one makes a sharp turn there they might run into it without seeing it.” “Just as you say,” replied George good-naturedly. Acting upon the suggestion, the automobile was stopped about a hundred yards from the house and the boys at once prepared to walk across the yard toward the front door. No one spoke until Fred whispered sharply, “What’s that?” “What’s what?” retorted George, also speaking in a whisper. “Nothing but a branch creaking up in the tree,” suggested Grant. “I guess that’s what it was,” assented Fred, and the four boys at once resumed their advance upon the ancient house. “Come on, fellows,” whispered George. “We’ll try the front door first.” The attempts of the boys, however, to open the door were unavailing. The door was massive and although it creaked and groaned it was strong and all the attempts to open it proved failures. “You stay here, fellows,” whispered George. “I’ll go around to the back of the house and see if I can get in there.” “I’ll go with you,” suggested Fred. “No, you won’t, you’ll stay right here and defend these fellows who are a good deal more scared than they are willing to own,” retorted George. The trio remained in silence before the front door, waiting for some word from their friend, who at once had carried out his suggested plan and had gone to the rear of the house. Suddenly and without any word being spoken the heavy door in front of the waiting boys slowly opened. It creaked noisily but there was no question that George succeeded and the door was being opened from within. Grant was the first to enter, but instantly he stepped back and in a voice that trembled said
Prev.
Back
Top