But here, too, they were doomed to disappointment. They found that the plan they possessed corresponded with the actual building in every particular.
“And yet I’m sure there is some secret stairway or passage,” insisted Tom. “Let’s try the walls and see if they sound hollow.”
They were about to start this when Jack exclaimed:
“Say, what about that sentinel we were going to post? I thought someone was going to be on the watch to give warning if anyone approached.”
“Well, when old Wallace went off the way he did,” remarked Tom, “I didn’t think it would be necessary, but perhaps we’d better do it.”
“I’ll stand guard,” volunteered Dick, and he took his position a little distance from the old doorway, where he could have a good view about the mill.
Tom and his chums were busy sounding the walls, though they had not discovered anything, when there came a hail from Dick.
“Someone’s coming!” he cried. “Better get away.”
“Lively, fellows!” cried Tom, stuffing the plan in his pocket. “It may be old Wallace!”
They raced for the door, and had hardly emerged from it, to join Dick, before they saw, coming along the path he had taken a short time before, the old hermit.