“Yes, sir.”
“Well, then the only thing for us to do is to go up there and see what has happened.”
The boys agreed to the suggestion and although no one spoke every one was aware that his companions were as excited as he when slowly they began to mount the rickety stairway. The boards creaked and groaned beneath their feet, increasing the excitement of all.
When they had arrived at the platform about midway on the stairway, all stopped and listened. The screeching sounds of the excited birds still continued, but otherwise the silence was unbroken.
“Is there anybody here?” called Mr. Sanders loudly. As no reply was made to his inquiry he turned to the boys and said, “There doesn’t appear to be anybody here. Well go on up and continue our investigations.”
Once more leading the way, Mr. Sanders noiselessly mounted the steps, the boys keeping closely together and not far behind the leader. Holding his lantern before him Mr. Sanders stopped when he arrived at the head of the stairway and examined the rooms that opened before him.
Suddenly a sound very like laughter was heard in the old building, but it quickly ceased and in place of it the faint tooting of an automobile horn was heard.
The boys now were staring about them and had it not been for the presence of George’s father it is doubtful if any one would have remained.
As it was, a startling event occurred which instantly cause all five to turn quickly about and run swiftly down the stairway.