“They must have been stolen while the motorcycles were in the shed at the Polucca place,” Chet suggested.
“It’s the only time they could have been taken,” declared Frank. “It was the only time they were left unguarded.”
Joe was frankly puzzled.
“But we didn’t see any one around the place,” said Jerry.
“No—but there was some one there. We heard those shrieks and the laugh. Some one stole those tools while we were in the house.”
“It’s some kind of a practical joke, that’s what I’m beginning to think,” declared Frank. “Let’s go back and get those tools.”
“Not on your life,” objected Jerry decisively. “This is a little too much. First of all we hear those shrieks, and then the house almost comes down around our ears, and now we find that the tools have been stolen by somebody we didn’t see. We’re safer away from there.”
Biff Hooper nodded agreement.
“That’s what I think. There’s something queer about that house. We’ll get into trouble if we go butting in any more.”
“But we want our tools!”