I led the way this time as we clambered up into the attic.
"Ever looked for your so-called rats up here?" I called over my shoulder.
Stoddard joined me, snapping on a flashlight, spraying the beam around the attic rafters. "No," he said. "Of course not."
I was opening my mouth to answer, when I suddenly became aware that the noises were now definitely louder. Noises faint, but not blurred any longer. Noises which weren't really noises, but were actually voices!
I grabbed Stoddard by the arm.
"Listen!" I ordered.
We stood there silently for perhaps half a minute. Yes, there wasn't any question about it now. I knew that the faint sounds were those of human voices.
"Good heavens!" Stoddard exclaimed.
"Rats, eh?" I said sarcastically.
"But, but—" Stoddard began. He was obviously bewildered.