A smothered shriek reached their ears; there was a scurrying noise, and then, with horror, they heard Della's footsteps in the passageway that ran by Whitey's manger.
Immediately there came a louder shriek, and even in the anguish of knowing their secret discovered, they were shocked to hear distinctly the words, "O Lard in hivvin!" in the well-known voice of Della.

She shrieked again, and they heard the rush of her footfalls across the carriage-house floor.

Wild words came from the outer air, and the kitchen door slammed violently.

It was all over.

She had gone to "tell".
Penrod and Sam plunged down the stairs and out of the stable.