With the articles in his pockets Leo started downstairs once more.
He had just reached the second story and was on the point of descending the lower flight of stairs, when an unexpected sound greeted his ears.
Daniel and Martha Hawkins had returned.
“So much cheaper ter git supper ter hum,” he heard Mrs. Hawkins say, speaking from the kitchen.
“It’s a pity, though, yer Aunt Mariah wasn’t hum,” returned Daniel Hawkins.
Leo was startled.
“Caught!” he muttered to himself, and then added: “Not much!”
With great caution he left the hallway and entered the side bedroom.
As noiselessly as possible he opened the window again.
The distance to the ground was at least twelve feet, but there was heavy grass below, and Leo did not mind such a drop.