“We probably shall,” laughed Marjorie. “I am taking a key this time, so that if anything happens in the middle of the night I needn’t disturb you.”
She sat in the back of the car between Mrs. Hadley and Jack, while Dick Roberts, who was to share with John in the adventure, took the seat up front.
“From now on,” announced Marjorie, “we’re acting. Not a single word of the real situation must be mentioned.”
“Agreed!” replied John. “And you want to go in boldly—letting them know you are there?”
“Absolutely!” said the girl.
“And don’t forget to call me Ethel,” warned Jack.
The night was clear and still; the stars were shining, but there was no moon. The boys were glad of this; it would be easier for John and Dick to conceal themselves in the darkness.
“Well, here we are!” said John, as he turned into the drive. “Shall I stop right here at the steps?”
“I wish,” said Marjorie as she descended from the machine, “that you would go all around the outside of the place and listen. Of course, we have Jack’s revolver, but still, I’d feel a little safer to know that there is no human-being about.”
“Hadn’t you girls better change your minds, and let me sleep downstairs?” suggested John, in a clearly audible tone.