village before sunrise, they prepared for bed. They were
thoroughly tired by the new experiences of the past day and in
spite of their surroundings and the noise of the men below and of
the storm, which still was raging, they decided to retire.

Their rooms did not connect and as George and Grant withdrew,
Fred said, "If we need your help in the night, fellows, don't
fail to come right away."

"Are you scared, Peewee?" laughed George.

"Yes, I am, and I don't mind saying so," retorted Fred. "I don't
like the sound that comes from that room downstairs."

Fred's feelings were not relieved when he found it was impossible
to lock the doors. An old fashioned iron latch was the only means
by which each door was opened and there were not even bolts or
buttons by which the door could be fastened.

"I'm going to put a chair against the door," said Fred. "I'm
afraid something will happen before morning."

Nor was Fred disappointed, for two hours after the boys were in
bed the door of the room which Fred and John occupied was
stealthily opened by some one in the hall.


CHAPTER VII

AN UNWELCOME PARTY