Another search was made by the students, while the farmer and his sons hastily donned the rest of their clothing. Then John Lapham brought forth a shotgun.
"I'm going to get that stuff back," said he, determinedly. "You say the burglars didn't go out by the front road?"
"We didn't see anybody," answered Roger.
"Then they must have taken to the lane that leads down to the river."
"Let us go down and see, pop," said Bob Lapham, eagerly.
So it was agreed, and after a few words Dave and his chums went along. For the time being the bats were forgotten.
"This may get us into a mess at the Hall," whispered Shadow, as they hurried along. "In telling the news Mr. Lapham will be sure to mention us."
"Well, that can't be helped, and we'll have to get out of it the best we can," answered Dave. "It's our duty to help capture those burglars, if it can be done."
The whole party walked down the lane leading to the river, which, at this point, overflowed a portion of the Lapham meadow. The farmer had brought along his barn lantern.
"I see something!" cried Dave, as a bright object caught his eye. But it was only a battered tin can, which caused everybody to utter a short laugh.