Part 13 (1/2)
”Are you certain of that?”
”Absolutely. I thought I heard an unusual noise, and looked out when--There! _Do_ you hear that?”
”It would be strange if I didn't,” Jack replied as the creaking of the shed door swinging back on its hinges sounded remarkably loud and harsh on the still night air. ”I'll get right up; go downstairs and wait for me.”
”It will be better if I stay in the hall-way,” Aunt Nancy said in a voice, the tremor of which told that she was thoroughly frightened.
Never before had Jack dressed so quickly, and as he did he tried to think what course should be pursued.
There seemed to be no question but that burglars were on the premises, and to encounter them single handed and alone would be the height of folly.
As may be fancied, he had not made a very elaborate toilet when he joined Aunt Nancy at the head of the stairs.
It was sufficient that he had on enough clothing to admit of his going out of doors without danger of taking cold.
”Have you got a gun or a pistol?” he asked of the little woman who was s.h.i.+vering with fear as if with an ague fit.
”No indeed, I never would dare to sleep in the same house with such things.”
”What have you that I can use as a weapon?”
”There isn't a single article in this house which is dangerous except the carving knife, and that is very dull.”
”It will be better than nothing.”
”But you surely don't intend to go out there when desperate men may be laying in wait to take your life!”
”Something must be done; we can't stay shut up here and allow them to do as they please.”
”But you'll be killed, Jack dear”; and poor old Aunt Nancy clung to the boy in a frenzy of fear. ”To think that I've been expecting something of the kind all my life, and it has come at last!”
A sound as if the shed door had been closed told Jack he was wasting what might be precious time.
”Get the carving knife quick,” he whispered, ”and when I go out lock the door after me.”
Aunt Nancy obeyed in silence.
She brought the knife much as though it was the deadliest of weapons, and put it in Jack's hands with something very like awe.
”Don't kill the men if you can help it,” she whispered. ”It would be better to frighten them very badly rather than stain your hands with blood.”
Jack made no reply; but the thought came into his mind that he would stand a poor chance of frightening a burglar, with nothing but the well worn knife.
He opened the door softly.
Aunt Nancy stood ready to close and lock it instantly he was on the outside, and the decisive moment had arrived.
CHAPTER IX.