“Yes, and they haven’t dropped us into the river either,” added Andy.
It must be admitted that the hearts of the four cadets thumped wildly in their bosoms. They realized that they were in a dangerous situation, and there was no telling what would happen next. Bert Field was strangely self-possessed, even though his nerves were at a high tension.
“I’ll go first,” said he. “I think it is my place to do so.”
“Well, we’ll watch out, and do all we can to protect you, and ourselves, in case of trouble,” answered Jack.
Having listened for several minutes, the boys grew bolder and Bert Field lit a small bullseye lantern he had brought along. By the aid of the light, they tiptoed their way across the loft floor and down a narrow pair of stairs.
“Listen!” said Bert, suddenly, and came to a halt. He shut off the light, and all came to a halt and strained their ears.
From a distance came a murmur of voices. Three men were talking in one of the rooms of the old mill. Then the boys saw a ray of light shining under a closed door.
“They are in that room,” said Bert. “I’m going to the door and listen to what they have to say.”
He moved on and so did the cadets, all anxious to listen to the conversation. Now the boys were certain they had only human beings to deal with they felt better.
“I want you, Vidder, to go out on the road and watch,” came in the voice of Jabez Trask. “Put on that cowhide with the horns to-night.”