He heard steps without upon the plashing soil; they retired--all was still.
He paused a few minutes, and walked deliberately and firmly to the inner door, at which he fancied his host stationed; with a steady hand he attempted to open the door; it was fastened on the opposite side.

"So!" said he, bitterly, and grinding his teeth, "I must die like a rat in a cage.

Well, I'll die biting." He returned to his former post, drew himself up to his full height, and stood grasping his homely weapon, prepared for the worst, and not altogether unelated with a proud consciousness of his own natural advantages of activity, stature, strength and daring.

Minutes rolled on; the silence was broken by some one at the inner door; he heard the bolt gently withdrawn.

He raised his weapon with both hands; and started to find the intruder was only Alice.