The boys hesitated. Paul said, “We want to thank you for saving our lives and—”
The man cut him short with a wave of his hand. “No time to lose,” he whispered rapidly. “Go.”
“Who are you?” asked Jack.
The man shook his head and pushed them through the door. “Go,” he commanded them for a second time.
The boys went out of the house and signalled to Ken to follow them. But he needed no signal. He was on the alert, waiting for them and frantic with worry. He jumped out of his hiding place and joined his two friends. “I thought you were goners, sure,” he cried.
They sprinted away down the street. “What do you mean?” asked Jack as they ran.
“I saw Mr. Grey enter the house and—”
Jack stopped dead in his tracks. “Say!” he exclaimed, “where did he disappear to? Did you notice, Paul?”
Paul shook his head. “No,” he answered. “I guess we were so excited we didn’t notice.”
“What happened?” asked Ken.