In the end it was decided that Andy and Stuffer should make the journey to the old Bailey barn, a distance of a mile or more. They set off at once, Stuffer first, however, filling his pockets with crackers and apples.
“I know a path right through these woods,” said Stuffer. “It will bring us out just to the north of the old barn.”
“Well, be sure of the way,” answered the acrobatic youth. “We don’t want to get lost in this darkness.”
“How can we get lost in the dark if we carry a lantern, Andy?”
“Easily enough—if you get twisted around, Stuffer. I was lost once, in the Adirondacks, and I know.”
The two boys set off, Andy carrying a small lantern picked up in the carriage shed. This gave more smoke and smell than light and they had to proceed slowly, for fear of tumbling over the tree roots or into some hollow.
“Oh!” cried Stuffer, presently, as a strange sound struck his ears from close at hand. “What’s that?”
“Only an owl,” cried Andy, with a laugh. “How you jumped!”
“Are you sure it was an—an owl?” was the nervous question.
“Dead certain. Go ahead, or we won’t reach the old barn till morning.”