“Apparently.”
“But if the talking frog is there,” I followed up, giving him a puzzled look, “why didn’t you go in and get it?”
“Jerry, tell me the truth. Under the circumstances would you have gone alone into that old deserted building?”
I quickly admitted that I wouldn’t have had the courage. For the risk was plain.
“I could tell from Gennor’s actions,” Scoop went on, “that he wanted to go in where the ghost was, but, like myself, he didn’t dare to. What kept him there all day was the hope that the ghost would leave. Nothing doing.… I have a hunch that he’s in town to get the Strickers to help him. I’ve seen Bid riding around in the red car. We’ve got to shake a leg. For the whole gang may be speeding for the river this very minute in the enemy’s auto. You can see what we’re up against.”
Yes, it was a time for quick action. We had to get to the old hotel ahead of the others. And it was decided on the moment that Scoop and I should make the trip. Tom and Peg were to lay low in the brick house.
“And when the ghost comes to-night,” instructed Scoop, “don’t scare him away. Let him [[201]]have free run of the house. But watch what he does. He has a reason in repeatedly coming here. And only in learning what his reason is will we be likely to solve the mystery. I’m hoping that Jerry and I will be back in time for the big show.”
It was somewhat after five o’clock when Scoop and I left the brick house. Hurrying through town, we came to the long bridge spanning the Illinois River. The Windmere Hotel road was on the opposite side of the river. But instead of entering the bridge, as I had expected him to do, the leader turned to the right, entering Deacon Pillpopper’s yard and knocking on the kitchen door.
“Well, well,” cackled the old boat renter, tickled-like, “if it hain’t Scoop an’ Jerry! Come right in; come right in,” he invited politely. “I was jest gittin’ ready to set up an’ eat. Hain’t got a turrible sight cooked, but you’re welcome to share what I’ve got. Jest shove that ol’ cat off its box, Jerry, an’ draw up to the table.”
Scoop shook his head, explaining that we were in a hurry.