Part 5 (1/2)
”Let us get into the barn,” suggested Roger, and flung open a door that was handy Into the building they went pell- ave him a kick that sent him back Then the door was slammed shut and latched, and the students found theet in any other way?” asked Phil, after a second of silence, during which they heard the dogs barking outside
”I doubt if any of the doors are open in this storet up in--in the loft!” suggested Nat Poole He was as white as the snow outside and his teeth were chattering froood idea,” said Dave ”But we ot a roan went up Nat Poole was appealed to, for the others knew he had been s on the train
”Myto hunt for the loft ladder in the dark”
”Be careful, or you may run into some troublesome horse,” cautioned Dave
The boys moved slowly around in the dark They could hear the sounds of several horses feeding and the barking of the dogs Then, quite unexpectedly, ca of a board, a yell of alarm fro! Save me!”
CHAPTER IV
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE BARN
”Nat has fallen into the water!”
”Where is he? I can't see a thing”
”He one down in so out, and all of the boys of Oak Hall were filled with consternation Dave had located the splash fairly well, and as quickly as he could he felt his way in that direction
”Nat, where are you?” he called out
”Here, down in a cistern! Help me out, or I'll be frozen to death”
Dave now reached the edge of the cistern Two of the boards which had covered it had broken, letting Nat down quite unexpectedly Fortunately there was only three feet of water in the cistern, so there was no fear of drowning But the water was icy and far froive Poole his hand, the door of the barn was flung open and a farmer strode in, a lantern in one hand and a stout stick in the other The ht over his head and looked around suspiciously
”Wot yeou fellers doin' here?” he deht--one of our party has fallen into the cistern!” cried Dave
”Into the cistern, eh? Mebbe it serves hiot no business in my barn,” answered the fars caer
”An' where did yeou co around here, I know”
”We came froet this boy out first and then we'll explain”
”Train off the track? Well, I snum!” cried the far Nat Poole to the flooring of the barn