[CHAPTER IX]
ON THE TRAIL
Roy and Chub stared at each other blankly.
“Well!” said Roy.
“Foiled again!” muttered Chub darkly.
The barn was dim save about the open door and where, high up, the late sunlight found its way through the dusty window in the loft. They peered about in the shadows, but saw nothing but Methuselah’s eyes gleaming uncannily.
“Maybe he’s in the loft,” said Roy softly.
“Pshaw, there’s nothing up there but bats and spiders and dust,” answered Chub. “What would he be doing here in the dark, anyhow? Come on; I’m freezing.”
“Well, let’s yell out and see if he answers,” Roy suggested.
They called “Dick!” several times, but the only reply was from the parrot, who chuckled wickedly in the darkness.