"Well now, that's lucky, for I happen to have a good, loaded pistol with me. I'm visiting Mr. Spriggins in Tottenville, and went out fishing this afternoon, but stayed longer than I intended, and was going home across lots when I struck the lane here without knowing exactly where I was; but I'm glad I met you."
"So'm I," exclaimed the gratified Fred; "will you help me catch that tramp?"
"Indeed I will; come on, my little man."
The stranger stepped off briskly, Fred close behind him, and passed through the gate at the front of the old brick house, which looked as dark and still as though no living person had been in it for years.
"Don't make any noise," whispered the elder, turning part way round and raising his finger.
"You needn't be afraid of my doing so," replied the boy, who was sure the caution was unnecessary.
Fred did not notice the fact at the time that the man who had come along so opportunely seemed to be quite familiar with the place, but he walked straight to a rear window, which, despite the care with which it had been fastened down, was found to be raised.
"There's where he went in," whispered Fred's friend, "and there's where we're going after him."
"All right," said Fred, who did not hesitate, although he could not see much prospect of his doing anything. "I'll follow."