"Say, boys," he said, "there's something strange going on here
to-night!"




CHAPTER II

THE HOLE IN THE ATTIC FLOOR


Ned sprang to his feet in an instant and beckoned Jack to one side.
The others gathered around, but Ned motioned them back.

"Let us find out exactly what Jack means before any remarks are
made," he said.

"Well," Jack began, almost in a whisper, "the servant who came to the
door said--"

"Wait a moment!" Ned requested. "Let us get this at first hand. Is
the servant you refer to still out in the corridor? Look and see."

Jack opened the door an inch and looked out.

"Yes," he reported, facing Ned, with the door still ajar, "he is
still there."

"Then ask him to come in here," Ned suggested, "and you, boys," he