“No, you won’t, you’ll stay right here and defend these fellows who are a good deal more scared than they are willing to own,” retorted George.
The trio remained in silence before the front door, waiting for some word from their friend, who at once had carried out his suggested plan and had gone to the rear of the house.
Suddenly and without any word being spoken the heavy door in front of the waiting boys slowly opened. It creaked noisily but there was no question that George succeeded and the door was being opened from within.
Grant was the first to enter, but instantly he stepped back and in a voice that trembled said quickly, “What’s that? What’s that?”
There was a noise of flying wings in the room before them, but not one of the boys was able to see any of the winged creatures. Back and forth they flew, the unseen birds, their wings noisily flapping and their cries steadily increasing in volume.
Startled as all the boys were by the unexpected sound they withdrew to the porch in front of the door and in whispers talked over the best plan for them to follow.
“I say we go ahead,” said Grant at last. “We don’t want to be scared out by a little thing like this.”
“That’s all right,” agreed Fred. “You’re so bold, I’ll let you go ahead. I shall be satisfied to-night to be one of the go behind boys. I’m not afraid,” he hastily added when Grant laughed derisively. “I’ll follow you wherever you dare lead. Now then start if you want to.”
No more was said and slowly and silently the boys once more entered the room into which the door directly opened.
This time again when only a few steps had been taken, by a common impulse they stopped and Fred whispered, “Where is George?”