“Perhaps some of the windows are unlocked,” The Fungus suggested. “I’ll go around and try them.”
“I’ll take this side,” said Ned, “but I don’t believe we’ll find one undone.” Nor did they.
“All tight,” said Ned as he and The Fungus returned. Depressed silence followed the announcement. At last,—
“We’ll have to get in the way we got out,” said Spud. “Isn’t there a ladder in the shed?”
“Shed’s locked,” said Dutch. “I tried the door.”
“I’ve got it,” exclaimed Ned. “Two of you chaps put me up on the shed roof. I think I can make the window from there.”
“I don’t believe you can,” said Sandy doubtfully. “But you can try it.”
“I can do it. Then I’ll sneak down and open the Gobblery window. You and Dutch give me a leg-up, Sandy.”
Ned gained the roof without much difficulty and the others drew off to watch him essay the window of the Sun Parlor. To reach it he had to jump high enough to get his fingers over the window-ledge. He succeeded on the third attempt and then managed to pull himself up by his hands and squirm across. A minute later a window close at hand was noiselessly opened and the others crawled through. Everything progressed favorably until Ned, who was bringing up the rear of the procession, stumbled on the stairs. Those ahead raced frantically upward and were out of sight when Mrs. Linn’s door opened.