"I wonder if those men caught Don?" said Jim.
"Oh, I don't think so," reassured Terry. "I guess he just got separated from us. Before we came out we agreed to meet under the lamp post in case we got separated. Let's go over to the street and see if he is waiting there."
Together they crossed the lots and emerged on the street upon which the Gannon House faced, approaching the lamp light with some degree of caution. But after they had waited in the shadow of a tree for ten minutes they were both forced to the same conclusion.
"Not a doubt in the world that he was captured," sighed Terry.
"I'm afraid so," agreed Jim. "If he had gone off in another direction he would surely have come here directly. At this moment he must be a prisoner in Gates' house."
"What are we going to do about it?" demanded Terry practically.
"I think we need a little direct action," said Terry. "Let's go back to the house and see if we can get a look at him. We may even be able to set him free."
"OK, I'm willing," responded Jim, moving off down the street. "Perhaps they have turned him over to the police."
"That isn't likely to do them any good," explained Terry. "We have the colonel back of us and have nothing to worry about. Anyway, I think that Don will drop a word or two that will give 'em something to think about."
"Take it easy now," warned Jim, as they drew close to the gate before the big house. "No telling who is snooping around the grounds."
Seeing no one in immediate range of vision they flitted across the sidewalk and entered the grounds of the old place. Keeping close to the hedge they made their way along it up to the house and then paused.
"Lights are none too plentiful in the house," whispered Terry.
There was only one lighted room in the downstairs. A low light burned in a bedroom on the second floor and two rooms were lighted on the third floor. With one accord, after a hasty glance around, the two cadets crept to the window and looked under the shade into the library.
The room was empty. A single reading lamp burned in the place but there was no sign of life. At that moment Terry nudged his companion's arm.
"It was under this same window that the patriots stood and saw that spy school teacher talking with British officers!"