ust make another search
of the house to find out what we have got in the way of water and
provisions."

Jet obeyed at once, and the detective placed his assistants at
different points where a view of the woods could be had, impressing
upon them the importance of trying to shoot down one or more of the
besiegers.

A search of the building failed to reveal anything which would aid in
"holding the fort."

Not so much as a cracker could be found, and the supply of water was
hardly more than a quart, which had been left in a pail on the kitchen
table.

Harvey had nothing to say when Jet made his report. He had joined his
assistants in trying to get a shot at the men, and seemed to think of
nothing else.

Left to himself, Jet wandered around the building trying to devise some
means of helping his companions, and before noon he fancied he had a
plan which promised success.

At the rear of the house next to the barn was a pile of fuel prepared
for the stove, and near by were two water barrels.

"There is enough around to prevent them from seeing me if I crawled out
to the barn, and I'm going to do it to-night, whether Mr. Harvey is
willing or not," he said to himself as he ascended the stairs.

All the men were on guard; but nothing suspicious had been seen.

"There is no need of their showing themselves, and I question if more
than one is on guard," Harvey said in reply to the boy's question.

"I want to do something," Jet said, and then he explained the plan he
had formed. "There must be an outlet from the barn at the back, and
even if there isn't I can get through all right in the darkness."

"We can't stay idle while those fellows are carrying off their goods,"
the detective said after some thought, "and I believe I will go with
you. We'll leave the others here a while, and see what it is possible
to do."

Jet would have preferred to make the attempt alone, but he could say
nothing against the officer's decision, and the latter at once began to
make his plans.

The two men from Albany were told what was to be tried, and cautioned
to keep the house well guarded during the absence of the others.

"Above all things have your eyes open for the prisoner," Harvey said
warningly. "It is of the utmost importance that we hold him, and you
must shoot the fellow rather than let him give you the slip."

A series of signals were decided upon so that the defenders might know
when their comrades were coming back; t