Jo chuckled.
"For once we can enjoy obeying a rule!" she said.
As the Woodford chums and their new friends came nearer to the boathouse that loomed like a dark blot against the landscape, they were astonished and a bit startled to hear voices.
The fact that they were voices was little. The fact that they were men's voices was much.
The girls paused and looked at each other, uncertain whether to advance or retreat. Curiosity urged them on. Caution advised retreat.
"The thieves!" murmured Sadie uneasily. "I think we'd better get out of here!"
But Jo caught her arm.
"Wait a minute!" she cried. "Listen!"
CHAPTER XV
IN THE DUSK