Redhead had undoubtedly snatched it away and hidden it. Frank gave no sign that he noticed anything amiss, and walked out of the kitchen into the yard, where he rejoined the others.
“I guess we may as well be going,” he said.
“You might as well,” snapped the woman. “There’s been no strangers around here.”
“We’re sorry we troubled you,” said Joe. “Good-bye.”
Redhead grunted a curt farewell. The woman and the other man said nothing as the boys turned away and retraced their steps out to the lane. For a while they walked on in silence and then, when they were out of sight of the house, Frank turned to the others.
“Do you know why I went into the kitchen?” he asked.
“Why?” they demanded eagerly, and Joe put in:
“I thought there was something fishy about the way you asked for that drink. What did you see?”
“I saw dad’s cap hanging on a peg!”
This caused an immediate sensation. Phil Cohen whistled in amazement.