Andy bent his ear. He caught no words, only the sound of human voices.
His aunt's high, strained tones were unmistakable.
He seized one of the supporting poles of the framework. It rattled and quivered, yet he believed it would hold him if he proceeded carefully. It was no trick at all for Andy to make a quiet and rapid ascent. He perched across the top of the framework and raised his head.
Andy saw his aunt closing up a packed satchel on a chair. She had her bonnet on, as if just going out.
At the hallway door was a man taking his leave.
He was excessively polite, hat in hand, and making a most respectful bow.
"Well!" commented Andy, fairly aghast.
Andy recognized the man instantly. He was the individual he had seen in the hay barn. He was Daley's companion, the man who had "doctored" the Benares Brothers' trapeze in the circus at Centreville.
In a flash Andy fancied he understood the situation, the motive of this fellow's presence here and now.
"Jim Tapp found out my aunt," theorized Andy rapidly. "He, this fellow, and the mail thieves are all in a crowd. Murdock here has probably come to tell my aunt that he knows where I am. She may have made a bargain to pay him well if he will kidnap me, or in any way get me back to Fairview. It's a fine fix to be in!" concluded Andy bitterly.
He was for getting back to the ground, going to the circus, turning in the contract, giving up all hopes of show life, and getting to a safe distance before his enemies could capture him.