Then they were rung from kitchen doors.
Calling voices came urging from the distance, calling boys' names into the darkness.

They called and a note of irritation seemed to mar their beauty.
Then bells were rung again--and the voices renewed appeals more urgent, much more irritated.

They called and called and called.
THUD! went the mud balls.
Thud! Thud! Blunk! "OOF!" said Penrod.
...

Sam Williams, having dined with his family at their usual hour, seven, slipped unostentatiously out of the kitchen door, as soon as he could, after the conclusion of the meal, and quietly betook himself to the Schofields' corner.
Here he stationed himself where he could see all avenues of approach to the house, and waited.

Twenty minutes went by, and then Sam became suddenly alert and attentive, for the arc-light revealed a small, grotesque figure slowly approaching along the sidewalk.