“What is it?” asked Paul.
“It is something I couldn’t exactly explain; it’s just something I feel—a hunch. Come on, we’re going back to that empty house.”
“But what for?” demanded Paul. “We have been there several times and we have found no clues or anything.”
“Well, we’re going back and look again.”
Jack disappeared into the house and a minute later came out carrying his flashlight and as baseball bat. “What is the bat for?” asked Ken.
“Just in case of anything,” was the answer. “I’m not taking chances any more.”
The boys rocked with laughter, Jack joining in. “You think you’re going to hit somebody with that thing?” questioned Ken, still laughing.
“I suppose the fellow who hit you is waiting there for you to even things up,” commented Paul.
“You fellows can laugh all you want,” said Jack, “but I’m taking it along just the same. Come on.”
They were on their way. Jack said, “Paul, you and I are going into the house, while you, Ken, are going to hide outside and give us the usual signal in case you see somebody suspicious coming up the street or about to enter the house.”