They kept their seats on the stringers for fully an hour, but it was getting to be tiresome, although they were afraid to venture down. As they had about made up their minds to venture out, voices were heard. They came closer and soon it was easy to recognize the voice of the neighbor who had acted the part of the spy two hours before.
The strange voice greeted the neighbor and imparted the information that the squad which had gone to the north had just returned.
"Did you get them?" he asked.
"Yes; we captured all but two of them," was the reply.
"Too bad," whispered Ralph.
"I wonder what time it is?" said Alfred. "Hold up your watch to the crack and see if you can make it out."
"My, it's almost four o'clock. It will be daylight in another hour. If we are to go we had better start at once. What do you say?"
"Well, it won't do to be cooped up here a whole day; let us try it," said Alfred as he swung himself down and moved toward the door.
They peered out. The coast was clear. Before they had an opportunity to reach the alley the door of the house opened and their host appeared with a package.
"So you are about to go? I am glad you did not go sooner. I waited until the fellows outside settled down. Here is the package I made up for you. It will come in handy," he said as he handed it to them.