"This is getting interesting," remarked Jack. "Of course, that hay was meant for the horses, but what do you suppose can be in those packing cases?"
"Come on around to the back of the barn, and maybe we can learn something further," said Fred.
"It's gettin' purty late, boys," announced Jed Wallop.
"If you want to go home, don't let us keep you," returned Gif, quickly.
"Well, I don't want to see any of you lads git into trouble," answered Wallop. "At the same time, I hate to leave my family alone after dark."
"Well, you go on, then," put in Jack quickly. "There are five of us, and I guess we can take care of ourselves, especially as we have our guns with us."
"O' course, everything may be perfectly reg'lar here," continued Jed Wallop. "Although, like you, I have my doubts. But unless you want me to stay, I'll git home." And a little later he took his departure.
Left to themselves, the Rovers and Gif watched their chance, and, unobserved, entered the big barn. Here they found that all of the packing cases which had been brought in by Herman Crouse had been placed out of sight under the hay.
"One thing is certain—they don't want any outsiders to know about these cases," remarked Jack.
Suddenly Fred, who was looking out of the doorway toward the house, uttered a low cry of alarm.