It was the first, indeed the only definite, information they had to go upon.

Lizzie replaced the slip of paper and laid the book on the floor just where she had found it.

Etta would no doubt soon discover her loss, and come back to fetch it.

In the meantime this very valuable piece of news must be communicated to Ulyth.
The chums talked the matter over earnestly.
"Something's happening at the side gate at eight o'clock, and they've got a password; that's clear," said Lizzie.
"Then I think it's our plain duty to go and investigate," returned Ulyth.

"If the worst comes to the worst we could report ourselves, and tell Teddie why we went.