In a moment more the two cadets stood in the sitting-room of the mansion.
"Better not make too much noise," whispered Jack. "If he is here we may be able to take him unawares."
As the sky was overcast that afternoon it was rather dark in the mansion, and the cadets could see but little as they made their way from one room to another. They were just entering the dining-room when Pepper's foot struck something and sent it spinning across the floor.
"What's that?" asked his chum.
"I don't know—sounded like a spoon or a fork," was the reply. Pepper walked forward, bent down, and felt around. "Yes, it's a silver fork!"
"It made as much noise as if it was a dozen of 'em!" murmured his chum.
"Hark!"
Pepper put up his hand and both listened intently. They had heard a noise, as of footsteps overhead.
"Somebody is up there!" whispered Jack.
"It must be the fellow we are after!" returned Pepper. "What shall we do next, go after him?"