“Somebody is in the store downstairs.”
“How do you know that?”
“Mamma heard the window raised and woke me. She asked me to call you boys.”
“Wait a moment and we’ll be with you.”
It showed how lightly Alvin and Mike were sleeping when they were instantly roused by the slight noise made in opening the door. Each sat on the side of his couch and listened. In the deep silence they heard the snatch of conversation and hurriedly began putting on their clothes. They wrought silently and without lighting the lamp.
“I expected it,” remarked Chester, imitating them.
Mrs. Friestone joined her daughter in the dark hall, she being too wise to use a light. A moment later the whole party stood together in the gloom, where neither could see the face of the others.
“Hark!” whispered the mother.
The five stood for a minute without stirring or speaking and hardly breathing. Not the slightest sound reached their ears. Then Chester asked in a guarded undertone:
“Are you sure you were not mistaken, Mrs. Friestone?”