The old Sobber homestead was surrounded by a grove of trees equally aged. One of the trees had blown down, taking a corner of the roof with it. Through this opening the birds flitted.
"I don't believe a soul is around," observed Tom, as they halted in front of the building.
"Nothing like ringing the bell!" cried Sam, and mounting the dilapidated piazza he raised the ancient knocker of the door and used it vigorously. Then came a crash and the youngest Rover felt the piazza bottom give way.
"Look out, a post is coming down!" cried Dick, warningly, and Sam had just time enough to leap away when the corner post of the piazza fell, allowing the roof above to sag several inches.
"Looks to me as if the whole building was on the verge of collapse," was Songbird's comment.
"Yes, and I don't know whether I want to go in or not," added Larry.
"It certainly does look shaky," admitted Dick. "I don't think anybody would risk staying in it long."
Leaving the front, they walked around the old house and gazed through several of the broken-out windows. Inside all was dirt and cobwebs, with a few pieces of broken-down furniture scattered about. As he looked in one window Tom saw a big rat scurry across the floor.
"I guess rats are the only tenants," he said dryly. "And they don't pay rent."
"With a few birds on the top floor, front," added Sam. "Well, do we go in or not?"