"Keep quiet, and be ready to follow orders fast."
As they gained the front gate of the Finbrink yard Tom's keen eyes noted a brick lying on the grass. As that was just what he wanted, he pounced upon it.
"Now, Timmy, do you know where you can find a fairly good-sized bottle—-without going into the house or taking the risk of being seen by your father?"
"Yes; there's one back of the house, with the ashes," Timmy answered eagerly.
"Go and get it, and don't make any noise."
Timmy disappeared in the darkness beyond, but soon returned carrying an empty quart bottle.
"Good enough!" whispered Reade, eyeing the bottle with cordial interest. Then he noiselessly approached the house, laying the brick on the grass under one of the front windows.
"Now, Timmy, you slip around to the back of the house," whispered the young schemer. "Just as soon as you hear a crash you watch your swiftest chance to slip into the house and upstairs to bed. Understand?"
"Sure! What you——-"
"Don't stop to ask questions. Get on your mark and look out for your own best interests!"