The Rover boys and their chums approached the old house with a good deal of interest. Dick led the way, setting a pace that made it hard for the others to keep up.
"Don't hurry so, Dick," remonstrated Fred. "The house isn't going to run away."
"Dick wants to make sure if that Merrick is around," responded Songbird. "And I can't blame him."
The old Sobber homestead was surrounded by a grove of trees equally aged. One of the trees had blown down, taking a corner of the roof with it. Through this opening the birds flitted.
"I don't believe a soul is around," observed Tom, as they halted in front of the building.
"Nothing like ringing the bell!" cried Sam, and mounting the dilapidated piazza he raised the ancient knocker of the door and used it vigorously. Then came a crash and the youngest Rover felt the piazza bottom give way.
"Look out, a post is coming down!" cried Dick,
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