They were afraid to close the doors, which they had found open, lest some one looking from the windows of the farm-house should suspect its being occupied and be tempted to make an examination.
The spot designated by Bucholz was easily discovered, but, to the dismay of the visitors, they found that a large quantity of bark had been piled upon that particular corner of the barn, and that upon the top of this were thrown several sheets of tin, which had evidently been taken from the roof of some building.
There was no help for it, however; the bark and tin must be removed, and Edward Sommers, throwing off his coat and vest, went to work with a will.

Robert held the lantern, while Paul Schmoeck stood by, with his hands in his pockets, eagerly awaiting developments.
The rattling of the tin, as it was being removed, was so loud that it was feared the sleepers in the farm-house would be awakened by the noise.

They stopped and listened.

Evidently their slumbers were profound, for not a sound came from its enclosing walls.
The bark was soon disposed of, and then Edward Sommers grasped the spade and struck it into the ground.

The clock in the distant town struck midnight as he commenced the task.