“In that case we’d better get out of here.”
“No, I’ve got a better plan.”
“What’s that?”
For reply Jake Rook gave his beard a tug and off it came, revealing him as a clean-shaven fellow with a heavy bulldog jaw. Next he removed a wig, and no one would have recognized him, even had they had a far longer acquaintanceship with him than had Jack or Tom.
“You’re a wonder, Jake,” exclaimed his companion admiringly; “well, what now?”
For answer Jake Rook stepped to the wall. He fumbled for a minute and then pulled back a section of the wainscotting, disclosing a sort of dark closet within.
“You get in there with the two kids, and if they try to make a holler you know how to keep them quiet. Hark!”
“Someone’s on the roof!”
“That’s right. In with you. Quick, now, they’ll be here in a minute.”
The two men picked up Jack and carried him to the opening, thrust him in. Ralph was bidden to follow, and he was far too terrified to make any objections.