“The identical place,” replied Tom.
It was a long and wide cellar with many bales and barrels stored in it. The only light was from a lantern which had been lighted by the squad they had just relieved, and which hung from a beam at one end, leaving most of the place in darkness.
CHAPTER XXV
FOILING THE GERMAN PLOT
“This cellar’s a nice place to tell ghost stories in,” remarked Bart. “It would make a fellow creepy to be in here all by his lonesome.”
“I thought I heard a noise down in that end of the cellar,” said Tom.
“You’re dreaming,” said Billy. “Come out of your trance.”
But just then there was another noise that all of them heard. It sounded like a scratching noise, or as though someone were inserting a key in a lock.
“Quick!” whispered Frank. “Hold your guns ready and get down behind these bales.”
Like a flash they obeyed and waited with bated breath for what should come next.
The scratching continued. Then slowly a door swung open at the far end of the cellar and a figure advanced carrying a candle. He walked with faltering steps, and as he drew nearer they could see that it was Mrs. Edsall’s father.