Ted began to sniff the air.
"Thought I thmelled thmoke," he announced as Elmer looked at him suspiciously.
"Well, considering what has happened here lately," remarked Ty, "seems to me that wouldn't be so very queer. I'm just soaked with it, and expect to smell smoke for a month of Sundays."
"But I thmell new thmoke!" Ted continued, positively.
"He's right, fellows; and I'm of the same opinion," Elmer went on to say.
Landy gave a short whistle.
"Smoke, did you say, Elmer?" he exclaimed. "My stars, boys! what if the hoboes have set fire now to the old barn? Say, what a blaze she would make, with all this hay stored here. Me to let them pigs out of the sty if it happens. It would be a shame to have roast pork when they're only part grown."
"Do you really mean it, Elmer?" asked Ty, apparently appalled by the thought of the terrible consequences that must follow, should the pair of desperate rascals go to extremes.
"It seems to be getting stronger all the while," observed the patrol leader, "and look at Mr. Brady; he is sniffing the air right now, as if he didn't like it any too well. I reckon he's got the same idea I have; which is that the men are in hiding here, and being afraid that they will be found have started a fire to cover their escape. See, Mr. Brady is telling the Fairfield policemen his suspicions now, and you can see that he's given him a start too."
"What a shame it will be if the barn goes, with all this hay," said Landy.