the front walk toward the lilac bushes, though she did not know the
boys were there.

"She's comin' after us," whispered Ted. "Come on, Bob."

Bob was aware of the danger of getting caught. He prepared to run.

Now there is this advantage to a tic-tac. Once you want to escape
you can take it with you by the simple process of pulling on the
long string, when the pin is jerked from the window-frame, and you
can drag the nail and all with you, thus leaving no evidence
behind. This was what Bob did.

Quickly winding up die string as he pulled the pin and nail toward
him, he and Ted started to run, crouching down low so as not to be
seen. But Ted, unfortunately for the success of their plan,
stumbled and fell, making so much noise that Mrs. Mooney heard t.

"Thieves! Burglars! Police!" she screamed.

"Come on!" cried Bob desperately. "We'll be caught!"

Mrs. Mooney ran back into the house, slammed the front door, shut
and locked it. She believed she had surprised thieves at work, for
she saw two dim forms running toward the street.

"Leg it!" whispered Bob.

"I am," replied Ted.