Some one was coming down the steps behind them.
With lips close to Al’s ear, Bob whispered:
“Tiptoe! Come on!”
He led Al down to the lowest steps, and there, just beside the door to the supply room the brothers flattened themselves against the wall.
They held their breath. They made themselves as small as they could. A quick tread came on down the steps, there was the pause of a body close—almost touching them. Breathing, sharp, short, quick, carried to their ears; but they kept mouse-still. The door opened.
A light flared up as Bob dragged Al back out of range. But as they turned and stared down, hearts still pounding from the excitement of the narrow escape, both brothers gasped.
In the light below, stood—a bearded stranger!
CHAPTER XV
A TRIPLE TRAIL
Pulling Al further back out of the light, around the little dark jog beside the door jamb of the supply room, Bob put his lips close to his brother’s ear.
“Watch!” he whispered, hardly loud enough for Al to hear.