"We have got to watch out, when we are coming back," said the senator's son, as they trudged along. "We don't want to get caught by Haskers, or Dr. Clay either."
"When we return one of us can go ahead and see if the coast is clear," answered Dave. "It will be all right unless somebody has been playing the spy on us."
"I didn't see anybody."
"Neither did I, but I believe they are going to enforce the rules more strictly than ever this season."
It was a cool, clear night, with hundreds of stars twinkling in the sky. They knew the road well, having traveled it many times before. They left the woods behind, and then came out on a small hill, below which was the farm for which they were bound.
"Perhaps the Laphams are in bed," said Shadow. "Some farmers go to bed mighty early."
"I know it, especially when the days are short," answered Dave. "Well, if the boy's asleep we'll have to wake him up. I guess he'll be glad enough to sell the bats. He said his mother didn't want him to have them around."
"I see a light in the house," said Roger, as they drew closer. "Have they a dog?"
"No."
"Then we can go right up to the door and knock."