“Let’s go,” said Garry enthusiastically.
Garry’s enthusiasm was transferred to the others, and off across the fields they started, bending low in the hay to avoid detection as much as possible, although they did not think too sharp a watch was being kept in the day time, except possibly the roadway that led to the house.
When they reached the back of the barn, Garry halted them again.
“First look to your rifles. We might need them. Now, Dick, give us forty seconds to reach the house, then run around and take your stand where you can watch the barn door. If you need help, fire your rifle twice. Now Phil, shoot for the house.”
Garry and Phil started and Dick glued his eyes on his watch.
At the house they saw no sign of anyone having heard their approach, and there seemed to be no indication of anyone’s being around. Garry began to think the house was deserted and made up his mind that even if this were the case he was going through it.
They came around to the front door, which stood open, and Garry stuck his head through the doorway and called:
“Hullo, there in the house.”
Both boys kept their rifles in such position that they could be thrown up instantly. For a moment there was no response, then Garry repeated his call. There was a sound of someone shuffling along in his stocking feet, then a man came into the hall.
Garry and Phil almost dropped their rifles from surprise, for there stood one of the tramps.