[CHAPTER IV—“DONNER”]
“Well!” ejaculated Tom in startled amazement.
“Don’t you see?” gasped Ben.
“What?”
“One of the spooks Mr. Edson spoke about!”
“That’s so, it must be,” assented Tom. “The nightly intruder, as sure as fate!”
The window was lowered from the inside. In a minute or two a faint light showed. Tom started forward, joined by Ben, who was in a quiver of excitement and suspense.
“What are you going to do, Tom?” he inquired.
“Find out who this mysterious trespasser is. Don’t make any noise, Ben, but keep close to me.”
Tom gave the box into the possession of his companion, and started up the ladder. Very cautiously he inserted the key into the padlock. He managed to turn it and remove the padlock without making any alarming sound. Then very slowly Tom pushed up the trap door.