"It is Merrick!" burst out Tom.
Hardly had he spoken when they heard a door shut sharply and a bolt dropped into place. Then the footsteps retreated.
"He has shut the door to the cellar!" cried Dick, flashing the light upward. "We are locked in!"
"Hark! I heard more than one person running from the house," said Larry.
"That Pike must be with him."
"Or else Tad Sobber."
As quickly as he could, Dick ran up the old stairs and tried the door. It was in fairly good condition and refused to budge.
"Smash it down!" called out Tom, and went to his brother's assistance.
"We must get out and collar those rascals," said Sam. "Can't you get the door open?"
"We ought to be able to," answered Dick. "Here, catch the light and take the gun."