THE MYSTERY OF THE MOLE
                                                  Pages 19 -- 20

We couldn't tell how they did it from where we were, but the theives apparently opened the doors easily and disappeared into the dark building. "We have to go tell Dad to call the police!" I whispered. "Then they can catch them in the act."

"Can we get to the house without them seeing us?" Jaxon's voice came out in a squeak.

Dave peered across the open field for a moment. "Maybe just one of us should go. Darren, sneak back and wake up Dad!"

"No way! I'm not going out there by myself!" I protested. "Those guys could be dangerous!"

"We'll all go," Jager decided.

But the theft took less time than we had expected. Almost immediately two men emerged, each carrying a large object. I gasped. "Those are the new speakers we moved in last week!"

"Hurry!" Dave whispered. "They're leaving! Get their license number, Darren!"

I slunk out from behind the bush. Staying in the shadow of the building, I tried to move close enough to see the licence plate. The men were already in their vehicle, but I still couldn't make out the number. They were getting away! Desperately, I crept closer.

Just then, a truck door swung open and a man yelled, "There's someone out there! Hey! You!"

Suddenly, I realized that one of the thieves had seen my face in the moonlight. The other doors flew open. "Get him!" a voice shouted.

I spun around and passed the other boys, my legs pumping. They turned in panic and began to run behind me. We raced toward home.

We heard the men scramble from the truck and sprint across the parking lot. We were halfway across the field when they came around the corner of the church, feet pounding. They were gaining on us quickly, breathing heavily behind us.

I wondered what they would do if they caught us. Almost at the vacant lot, we were gasping, choking, and nearly stumbling. I could hear Jaxon crying behind me. Would we be able to reach safety in time?