"Now it can't get at us!" cried Russ with some satisfaction. "We're safe."
"But—but I don't like this old house, Russ Bunker," complained Rose. "There is no window."
"All the better," was the brave reply. "That cat can't get at us."
Then the screech sounded again and the boy and girl clung together while the sound echoed through the lonesome timber.
"It's that thing that makes the noise," whispered Rose. "Oh, Russ! if Daddy Bunker doesn't come after us, maybe it will tear the house down."
"It can't," declared Russ.
"How do you know it can't?"
"Why, cats—even big ones—don't tear houses to pieces, Rose. You know they don't! We'll be safe as long as we stay in this place."
"But how long shall we have to stay here?"
"Until that thing goes away," said Russ confidently.