The cadets ran into the yard of the house and to the front door. They had seen the two men pass in and out, carrying some furniture.
“How did this start?” called out Pepper to one of the men.
At this cry both men turned around to gaze at the youths. Then one spoke to the other in a low tone, and off they ran to the rear of the cottage, leaped a rail fence, and disappeared from view in the woods.
“Stop!” yelled Jack, but the men paid no attention.
“They are the queerest chaps I ever met!” declared Pepper. “I believe they must be crazy.”
“Help! help!” came in a weak cry from the cottage.
“Somebody is in there!” said Dale.
“It’s a woman,” returned Jack. “Come on!” And he ran into the cottage.
The others followed. The smoke was growing thick, and at first they could see nothing. Then they saw an old woman with a crutch, trying to hobble down a pair of stairs.
“Don’t let me burn up!” she screamed. “Don’t let me burn up!”