And Jack shuddered over his narrow escape.
They were about to turn back to the trail when Harry gave an exclamation of surprise, and pointed through the trees to their left.
“A cottage!”
“It is true enough!” exclaimed Andy. “And right in the middle of the woods! How queer!”
“I wonder who lives there?” asked Boxy.
“He must be a regular hermit, whoever it be,” vouchsafed Harry. “He couldn’t choose a more lonely spot!”
“Maybe the fellows who robbed us live there!” cried Boxy, suddenly.
“That’s so,” returned Jack. “Go slow, boys, and be on your guard!”
With extreme caution they approached the cottage, which was a long, one-story affair, very much dilapidated. The door and the windows were tightly closed. There was no smoke coming from the crumbling chimney, and nowhere about the place were there the first signs of life.
“It’s deserted,” said Harry, and he kicked open the front door with his foot.