Dismissing the stranger from their minds, Brad and Dan hastened to catch up with the other Cubs.
As they hiked toward the main road, Mr. Hatfield mentioned again that he would call the contractor as soon as he arrived at home.
“I want to tell him that we picked up the roofing discs,” he said. “I’m sure it’s all right, but we’ll double check. Then I’ll tell him about that tramp in the house.”
“He could do considerable damage,” Red remarked. “Why, he might even start a fire that would destroy the house.”
“Say! We haven’t forgotten about exploring the haunted house, have we?” Chips suddenly demanded.
From the main road a weed-choked, narrow lane led toward the unpainted house which stood on a curving rise of land. Shutters hung at rakish angles and the place had every appearance of being deserted.
“Do we have time?” Mr. Hatfield asked, looking at his watch.
“Oh, it won’t take more than a minute!” Chips insisted.
“Sometimes your minutes are pretty long, Chips,” the Cub leader laughed.
The other boys also were eager to inspect the old house, so finally Mr. Hatfield consented.