s over, lay our plans, and be getting
back to Freeman's Falls. We mustn't be seen returning to the town
together too late for it might arouse suspicion."

"You're right there."

"Then go ahead and paddle for the landing. I'll steer. Just have your
hand out so we won't bump."

The lapping of the paddles came nearer and nearer. Then there was a
crash as the nose of the canoe struck the float.

"You darned idiot, Cronin! Why didn't you fend her off as I told you
to?"

"I couldn't see. I----"

"Hush!"

A moment of breathless silence followed and then there was a derisive
laugh.

"I told you the boy wasn't here," one of the men declared aloud. "If he
had been he would have had his head out the window by now. We've made
noise enough to wake the dead."

"But he may be here for all that," cautioned the other speaker. "Don't
talk so loud."

"Nonsense!" his comrade retorted without lowering his tone. "I tell you
the boy has gone back home and the hut is as empty as a last year's
bird's nest. I'll stake my oath on it. The place is shut and locked
tight as a drum. You'll see I'm right presently."

Instantly Ted's brain was alert. The door was locked, that he knew, for
when he came in he had bolted it for the night. One window, however,
was open and he dared not attempt to close it lest he make some
betraying sound; and even were he able to shut it noiselessly he
reflected that the procedure would be an unwise one since it would cut
him off from hearing the conversation. No, he must keep perfectly still
and trust that his nocturnal visitors would not make too thorough an
investigation of the premises.

To judge from the scuffling of feet outside, both of them had now
alighted from the canoe and were approaching the door. Soon he heard a
hand fumbling with the latch and afterward came a heavy knock.

Slipping breathlessly from his chair he crouched upon the floor, great
beads of perspiration starting out on his forehead.

"The door is locked, as I told you," he heard some one mutter.

"He may be asleep."

"We can soon make sure. Ah, there! Turner! Turner!"

Once more a series of blows descended upon the wooden panel.

"Does that convince you, Cronin?"

"Y--e--s," owned Cronin reluctantly. "I guess he's gone."

"Of course he's gone! Come, brace up, can't you?" urged his companion.
"Where's your backbone?"

"I'm not afraid."

"Tell that to the marines! You're timid and jumpy as a girl. How are we
ever to