Mr. Kain asked the boys several questions concerning the strange person who had appeared from time to time.
“We think he may have been the one who started the fire,” Brad said. “So far, we have no proof.”
“That might be somewhat difficult to obtain at this late date,” the bank employee replied.
Smiling in a more friendly way, he turned to leave.
“Come along, boys,” he said as they would have loitered. “I want to lock up the house.”
Mr. Holloway, Mr. Hatfield and the Cubs followed the bank man to the door.
Without being noticed, Dan and Brad held back. Both were unwilling to leave the Castle without investigating the chimney niche themselves.
Dan ran his hand up the wall, groping carefully about.
“Nothing there?” Brad demanded impatiently.
“Not a thing,” the younger boy replied in disgust. “Mr. Kain was right. Say—wait!”