“Lock your door, Professor,” whispered the tall lad, as they prepared for bed. “Lock it, and put a chair against it.”
“What for?” demanded Mr. Snodgrass. “Do you think——?”
“I don’t like the looks of that man,” went on Jerry. “Put your watch and money under your head. We’ll do the same.”
“Oh, you’re too fussy,” declared Bob, as the footsteps of their host could be heard descending the stairs, after he had called a “good-night” to them. “You’re nervous, Jerry.”
“Well, perhaps I am, but I’m going to lock our door just the same. No use taking chances.”
Jerry did so, and also took the precaution to draw a chair against the portal. He called to know if Mr. Snodgrass had done the same.
“Yes,” replied the scientist, “though I have no fear. My watch is only a cheap one, and I didn’t bring much money with me. I will put my specimen boxes where no one can get at them without awakening me.”
In spite of his worries Jerry was soon asleep, as were the others, for they were tired and worn out. Ned was thinking anxiously of what the morrow might bring forth, and he hoped soon to be in communication with Mr. Jackson.
Just what hour it was Jerry could not determine, but he was suddenly awakened by a noise as if some one had pushed a chair across the room. Instantly all his suspicions came back to him, but, before arousing his companions he made up his mind to investigate.
Cautiously he crawled to the door of their room, and, feeling about in the darkness, discovered that the chair he had placed against the portal was still in place.