“It has just occurred to me that Ricker must have been in charge of the whole block. The way it looks, all the rest around here have marched off to war.”
Henri had no proof up to the minute that the warehouse was or ever had been a hive of industry.
“Come here, pal,” called Billy, who had stepped from the front to the side of the chimney base; “I believe there’s a way to get to the basement of this old shack.”
His discovery was a rusty grating set in the floor close to the foot of the chimney, and it was surprising how easily it could be moved.
“For our special convenience,” chuckled the Bangor boy, when he noted a number of iron spikes protruding from the masonry in order for descent.
“The same sort of fire escape arrangement runs up the chimney; didn’t you notice?” asked Henri.
“But that’s for the lookout, pard; I tell you this is a bully plant in which to prowl. But let’s go below now and aloft later.”
Billy was already legging it, spike to spike, into the depths of the old warehouse.
CHAPTER XI.
GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK.
“What a place for a ghost dance,” commented Billy, peering into the shadowy beyond, as he waited for Henri to join him in the big cellar.