but since they had dressed warmly, they did not suffer from the
chilly air, for it was only April, and the warmth of summer still far
distant.

Nine o'clock struck. Bless that town clock, by means of which they
could tell the hour; for Thad was beginning to believe it much later
than it really was. He yawned, and stretched a bit, shifting his
position. Then Hugh touched him on the arm, and his low whisper came
in Thad's very ear.

"Sh! something stirring outside!"

Thad had heard it, too. Either the night wind had arisen; and was
sighing through the branches of the big oak that hung partly over the
rabbit hutch, or else some living object had moved; for what the boys
heard as they crouched there quivering with suspense and anticipated
victory was certainly in the nature of a creeping sound.

Yes, now there came to the ears of Thad what must be low whispers.
Nick and his fellow conspirator had undoubtedly arrived and were
scanning their contemplated field of operations!

CHAPTER XIII

A COLD RECEPTION

Then the boys in hiding saw a strange glow around them. Undoubtedly
Leon was making use of his electric hand-torch, and both of the
intended raiders must be pressing their noses against the glass of the
small window, trying to form some sort of idea as to what awaited them.

Neither Hugh nor Thad more than breathed. The latter clutched the
stout cord in a firm hand, ready to give the quick jerk when he
believed the proper moment had arrived.

Apparently, the fellows outside must have concluded that everything was
just lovely, for they could now be heard softly opening the window, and
pushing the sash carefully back out of the way. While climbing in
through the opening thus made, they did not wish to thrust a foot
against the glass, and cause a smash that might be their undoing; oh!
trust that shrewd general, Nick Lang, for looking out against any such
accidents; he had been in this business a long time now, and understood
all the ins and outs of it.

More low whispering followed. Evidently, Nick was trying to coax Leon
to climb in first, so that he could light the way with his torch; but
that sly fox held back. It was Nick's special game, and consequently
he should be the one to do the honors of the occasion.

After a little grumbling beyond the open window, Thad and Hugh heard
the soft pad of shoes scraping against the boards. Nick had started to
enter. The yawning aperture, and the apparent