the old fellow was round front. If he did—”
“He’s coming back,” muttered Roy. “And he’s bringing that beast of a dog.”
“You stay here and watch, Carlo,” said the farmer outside the door. “Don’t let ’em out, sir!”
“Mr. Ewing!” called Roy.
“Well? I hear ye.”
“Won’t you believe what we tell you? That we had no intention of robbing your house.”
“Don’t you waste your breath on me, young man. Keep them yarns for the police. I won’t keep you waiting longer’n I can help. You’d better not try to get out; it wouldn’t be good for you; Carlo’s got a sort of a mean disposition, he has.”
“So have you,” cried Chub. “You’ve got the upperhand now, but just you wait till I get out of here! I’ll make you wish you had a grain or two of common-sense; hear?”
“I hear ye,” muttered the farmer, “I hear ye. I guess what you fellers need is a few years in jail, and, by gum, you’re going to get it! Watch ’em, Carlo!”
They heard him go stumping down-stairs and
