“I know a way. Come.”
They followed him round behind the cottage, and then approached it with great caution, stepping lightly, so that they would not be heard.
As they came near, they could hear a humming of voices within. They crept up to the back of the cottage, which was not shingled on that end, and Browning applied his eye to a knot hole. After a moment he drew back, showing astonishment.
“You can’t guess who is trying to get into the game now?” he whispered.
Frank shook his head.
“Look and see,” said Bruce.
Merry did so. Applying his eye to the knot hole, he was able to look into the cottage. He also could hear the talk of the men around the table.
Six of them were seated, Diamond and Welch being two of the party. Another man, evidently a late comer, was standing. He it was who was trying to get into the game.
It was Bill Bunker!
“Why can’t I come in?” he was demanding, in a half-drunken manner. “Mr. Welch will speak for me.”