“I suggest first that we have a quiet talk with Denton, since we were not allowed to be in the conference between him and Simmons. Then I move that we take a little trip to Green’s house and try to get in by way of the secret passage as you did the other time, Garry,” said Phil.
“That sounds good to me. I think we could do it, for there was never anything said about our knowing it. If we had been discovered that time, they would either have blocked the passage up, or made some provision for keeping prying people out when they were holding a conference. Suppose we set tomorrow night for the trial and draw lots for the one to go?” offered Garry.
“All right except for one thing,” said Phil. “I suggest that the lots be drawn only between Dick and me. You had the thrill and the adventure last time, so that ought to let you out, Garry.”
“Suits me, but I don’t like to think of you chaps doing anything as dangerous as that might easily be, without being in on it.”
“Well, you did your duty the other time, and there will be no one to say that you are backing out of danger, for you aren’t. Phil and I are backing you out ourselves, so you can console yourself with that thought,” said Dick with a laugh.
The lots were drawn, and to his inward delight, Dick was the lucky man.
“That seems to be all that we can do for the present,” remarked Garry. “Suppose we rest a bit and have dinner, then let Dick take a few pictures and wander back to town and have a talk with Denton.”
This was the course agreed upon, and Phil wandered into the woods in search of squirrels for a squirrel pie.
He was back in an hour with four beauties, and Dick was set to skinning while Phil made the necessary dough for the pie crust.
All busied themselves in the task of preparing the dinner, and soon it was ready. They had barely sat down, when a voice startled them.