ditch or "moat" that surrounded the make-believe ancient castle.
They evidently debated as to the advisability of forcing an entrance
to the wonderful mansion, and taking up temporary or permanent quarters
there. Perhaps the idea of spending the coming winter under so
magnificent a roof, with frequent excursions around the countryside
in search of necessary supplies, engrossed their attention.

Some little time passed away. The four boys began to show signs of
impatience, believing that Monkey Stallings must surely by now have
gained the place he had in mind when he left them.

"There, I saw him wave his hand to us from that slit in the stone wall
of the tower!" hissed Alec, presently. "He's managed to find a way to
get inside after all, and now the fun's going to begin."

"It's time, too," added Arthur, "because the hoboes have made up their
minds to try and break into the house. See, that big chump has picked
up a heavy rock, and he acts as if he meant to hurl the same against
those stout oaken doors."

Indeed, that was just what happened. The collision, however, only
resulted in a loud bang, for it would take many hundreds of like blows
to do those stout doors any serious damage. The smaller tramp shook
his head dubiously.

"Now they are talking it over again," whispered Alec. "The short one
is pointing as if he believes they can find a much easier way to get
inside than trying to smash the door down. Hey! Monkey, better get
busy or you'll find the pair treading close on your heels."