"We won't bother them," promised Frank. "What do you say, fellows? Should we take a trip around that way or should we not?" As usual, the mere fact that something of a mystery surrounded the old mill made all the boys eager to turn their steps in that direction. "We'll go down the old road, anyway," said Joe. "I'd like to get a look at the place. It'll give us somewhere to go." "Sure," agreed Phil. "We can eat our lunch on the way." "The vote seems to be in favor of it," said Frank, with a smile. "Well," drawled Stummer, chewing vigorously at the straw, "don't blame me if you get chased away from the mill. I've warned you." His eyes twinkled. His whole purpose in telling the lads of the mystery that surrounded the mill had been to send them in that direction, for he realized the attraction the place would have for the boys when they knew that the mill was running again. He was rather curious, too, about the three men who were in charge of the place and he thought that perhaps the boys might pick up some information that he had been unable to get. "Have a good hike," he said, as he turned to go back to the farmhouse. "Don't get into any trouble." "We won't," they assured him, and forthwith started back down the lane. They met Chet, who had by this time managed to retrieve his belongings and was trudging along in the dust meditating ways and means of getting even with his companions. He was not vindictive and he had taken the joke in good part, grinning cheerfully as he saw them approach. "Think you're pretty smart, don't you?" he said, in mock resentment, as they came near. "I've got so many thistles in my feet you'll have to carry me home now." With that he began to limp in an exaggerated manner, as though he had been completely crippled by his efforts to regain his socks and shoes. "We wouldn't carry you to the end of the lane," said Frank promptly. "You'd better keep your feet moving if you want to come with us." "Where are you going?" "Down to the old mill. Stummer tells us the place is running again." "Hurray!" shouted Chet. "I'll race you!" and, forgetting all about his tender foot-soles, he led the crowd in a mad race toward the main road. CHAPTER VII IN THE MILL RACE An hour later, the Hardy boys and their chums reached the vicinity of the old mill. They had lunch in the shade of the trees along the deserted road, and it was early in the afternoon when they arrived at the top of the hill that overlooked the river. The old mill was a sturdy structure that had once been strong and imposing but was now weatherbeaten and showed the ravages of the years. The mill wheel turned slowly, creaking painfully as though it objected to being forced to labor again after its long rest.