rmed their way forward, often crawling along. Both knew a good deal
about traps and how they are set, and their common sense enabled them to
see the most likely places for them. They kept to open ground, avoiding
shrubbery and what looked like windfalls of branches. Before they came into
full view of the house they had about a quarter of a mile to go. And it was
an exciting journey.

They dared not speak to one another. For all about, though at first they
could see nothing, there was the sense of impending danger. They felt that
unseen eyes were watching, not for them, perhaps, but for anyone who might
venture to intrude and pass the first line. Both of the scouts felt that
they were tilting against a mighty force; that the organization that would
perfect, in time of peace, such a system of espionage in the heart of the
country of a possible enemy, was of the most formidable sort.

They stopped, at last, at the edge of the clump of thick, old trees that
seemed to surround the place. Here they faced the open lawn, and Harry
realized that to try to cross it was too risky. They would gain nothing by
being detected. They could find out as much here by keeping their eyes and
ears open, he thought, as by going forward, when they were almost sure to
be detected.

"We'll stay here," he whispered to Dick, cautiously. "Dick, look over
there--to the left of the house. You see where there's a shadow by that
central tower? Well, to the left of that. Do you see some wires dangling
there? I'm not sure."

"I think there are," whispered Dick, after a moment in which he peered
through the darkness. Dick had one unusual gift. He had almost a savage's
ability to see in the dark, although in daylight his sight was by no means
out of the ordinary.

"Look!" he said, again, suddenly. "Up on top of the tower! There is
something going up there--it's outlined against that white cloud!"

Harry followed with his eyes. And Dick was right. A long, thin pole was
rising, even as they looked. Figures showed on the roof of the tower. They
were busy about the pole. It seemed to grow longer as they watched. Then,
suddenly, the dangling wires they had first noticed were drawn taut, and
they saw a cross-piece on the long pole. And then, with a sudden rush of
memory, Harry understood.

"Oh! We have struck it!" he said. "I remember now--a portable, collapsible
wireless installation! I've wondered how they could use wireless, knowing
that someone would b