As the boys approached the street where Warren had located the house of
the thieves, they decided to hide for a little in the ruins across the
street, and watch for awhile in the hope that the door might open, or
the two men come out.

They made the approach one at a time, and settled down for a long
wait. An hour or more went by, and all at once Warren stuck out a long
leg and noiselessly kicked Ivan. The oaken door across the street was
ajar. Just a crack, and for a long time it remained so, while the boys
scarcely breathed.

It opened slowly, and the two men came cautiously out. They did not
glance across the street, but looking carefully up and down the crooked
alley, closed the door carelessly, and went off at a brisk gait without
a glance behind.

The boys looked at each other.

"Now!" said Ivan.

"Wait!" answered Warren. "Give them time. No doubt they will be gone
most of the night."

There was a long silence, then glancing at his watch, Warren said,
"Come! Do you see that door? They did not latch it. I don't believe
there is a soul over there but the woman. There is just one thing to
do. Go over and look in; and if she is alone we will rush her, tie her
up and get off with the children. We can do it."

"That's the only thing to do," said Ivan. "Let's go."