The Captain was communicated with, and then the four left the road and moved around toward the rear of the house, keeping in the shadows of the trees. Not until they reached the very door of the place were there any signs of life there.
The lantern they had observed from a distance was seen no more. The windows were dark and silent. But when they came to the door they found it unlocked.
As the crude latch was lifted, with a very slight creaking sound, a movement was heard inside, and then a heavy body was heard striking the ground at the rear. Then a was as silent as before.
"Someone jumped out of a window!" Jimmie whispered. "I hope he broke his crust!"
There was to be no defense of the place, then! Whoever the inmates had been, they were deserting the house.
Ned stationed Frank and Jack at the front and moved around to the rear with Jimmie close behind. A rustle in the undergrowth told him that the former occupants of the place were still about.
Jimmie darted in the direction of the noise, but was back again in a minute.
"Might as well try to chase a ghost!" he said.
"Got clear away, did he?" asked Ned.
"You know it!" grunted the little fellow.