"Locked!" repeated Mrs. Blarcum. "I didn't know that. The paintings
will be burned, and Mr. Stockton was very fond of them. They cost a
lot of money."

"We can break the door in!" cried Bert. "Come on, Vincent!"

The boys prepared to rush at the portal.

"Stop!" cried a ringing voice, and they looked up to see Muchmore
hastening toward them. "Don't you dare go into that room!"




CHAPTER XI

SUSPICIONS AROUSED


For a moment the boys hardly knew what to do. They stood looking at
Muchmore, who seemed very angry, and also intensely excited.

"We're going to save the pictures" said Vincent.

"There are no pictures in there!" declared the man.

"The housekeeper said so," put in Bert.

"Yes, yes! The valuable paintings belonging to Mr. Stockton!"
exclaimed Mrs. Blarcum. "They'll be burned up! The fire is coming this