the better," remarked the
other; "for you see, one of those fellows might come around to spy out
the land, and noticing a light in here, he'd be suspicious."

Colon took the hint, and put out the lantern, which, however, was kept
near, so that in case of a sudden alarm it could be quickly brought
into use again.

After that the two lads made themselves fairly comfortable, though they
did not remove their shoes. In case of trouble they wanted to be in
condition for active and immediate work.

Fred had filled several old buckets, so as to be ready to fight fire.
And for a little while they lay there, occasionally whispering to one
another.

Finally Colon went to sleep. Fred knew this from his steady breathing;
and since he was feeling more or less tired himself, after the
strenuous labor of rowing in the afternoon just passed, he too allowed
his senses to be lulled into the land of Nod.

How time passed Fred had not the remotest idea, when he was suddenly
awakened by a terrific clamor, that, to his excited imagination,
sounded like a railroad train running off the track, and smashing into
a kitchen, where the walls were lined with all manner of tinware.

Both he and Colon sat up suddenly.

CHAPTER XIX

NIPPED IN THE BUD

"Hear that, Fred?"

Of course it was foolish of Colon to ask such a question as this of his
companion. That racket was enough to awaken the soundest sleeper. But
then he was so excited he just felt that he had to say something.

Fred threw his blanket aside. Then he reached out for the lantern, and
his handy match-safe, so that they could get some light on the subject.

As soon as this little task had been accomplished, he and Colon started
for the door full-tilt. Opening this, they passed out.

The noise of falling tinpans had by now entirely ceased. Of course the
artful Colon had piled up all the waste cans he could find, so that if
they were toppled over they would make considerable racket. Once upon a
time there had been some sort of manufactory connected with the shed;
and back of it Colon had discovered a regular mine of what he wanted in
the way of rusty cans, large enough to suit his purpose, and make all
the noise heart could wish.

"Look! I got one!"

Colon pointed excitedly as he said this, and as Fred looked he burst
out into a loud laugh. Evidently Colon's trap had worked. A boy was
dangling by the heels, held up in the air by the loop of a rope, which
seemed to p