“Just as you say,” replied George good-naturedly.
Acting upon the suggestion, the automobile was stopped about a hundred yards from the house and the boys at once prepared to walk across the yard toward the front door.
No one spoke until Fred whispered sharply, “What’s that?”
“What’s what?” retorted George, also speaking in a whisper.
“Nothing but a branch creaking up in the tree,” suggested Grant.
“I guess that’s what it was,” assented Fred, and the four boys at once resumed their advance upon the ancient house.
“Come on, fellows,” whispered George. “We’ll try the front door first.”
The attempts of the boys, however, to open the door were unavailing. The door was massive and although it creaked and groaned it was strong and all the attempts to open it proved failures.
“You stay here, fellows,” whispered George. “I’ll go around to the back of the house and see if I can get in there.”
“I’ll go with you,” suggested Fred.