Evidently no one had done any work around the place for several years.
"Just the kind of a place those chaps would pick out," whispered Dick to his brothers.

"They never suspected anybody would trace 'em.

I suppose they found out the old mansion was not being used, and they either hired it or took possession without asking." "I begin to think this was all a well-laid plot," said Sam.
"Sure thing," muttered Tom.

"The only trip-up they made was when they didn't catch Grace as well as Nellie and Dora." "And when old Crabtree dropped that visiting card," added Dick.
The boys saw that lights were burning in one of the lower rooms of the old mansion and in two of the upper rooms.
"I guess they are all there," said Dick.
"Can't we get closer and make sure ?" pleaded Tom.
"We don't want them to see us, Tom." "Why not ?" "Because it might spoil everything.

Remember they are four or five strong, not counting the woman, and she would probably fight as hard as anybody, if cornered." "Five ?" queried Sam.
"Yes, counting that fellow the girls took for a doctor." "Oh, yes, I'd forgotten him.