We've learned from him that six men are lurking somewhere outside, on the chance that you or Rodney Hade may come out or come in, so that they can cut you both off, comfortably, out there in the dark, and carry on their treasure-hunt here.

Failing that, they plan to get in here, when you're asleep.

All this lad can tell them is that you are on your guard, and that there are enough of us to hold the house against any possible rush.

He can also tell them," pursued Gavin, dropping back into his slowly solemn diction, "about this devil--this ha'nt--that serves us, and of the curse--the voodoo--he can put on them all if they try to harm us.

We'll let him go.