In a little while familiarity modified their fears and they gave the place a critical and interested examination, rather admiring their own boldness, and wondering at it, too. Next they wanted to look upstairs. This was something like cutting off retreat, but they got to daring each other, and of course there could be but one result⁠—they threw their tools into a corner and made the ascent. Up there were the same signs of decay. In one corner they found a closet that promised mystery, but the promise was a fraud⁠—there was nothing in it. Their courage was up now and well in hand. They were about to go down and begin work when⁠—

“Sh!” said Tom.

“What is it?” whispered Huck, blanching with fright.

“Sh!⁠ ⁠… There!⁠ ⁠… Hear it?”

“Yes!⁠ ⁠… Oh, my! Let’s run!”

“Keep still! Don’t you budge! They’re coming right toward the door.”