From somewhere in the rear of the building came the clanging of steel hammers, the ringing of highly tempered metals; but, although he pounded vigorously with his cane, no one came forth to attend him.
On several occasions he had seen a grim, sharp-featured old man in the doorway of the shop, but it was not until after he had missed the Thursday train that he made up his mind to accost him and to have the broadsword at any price.

With this object in view, he quickly crossed the square and inserted his tall frame into the narrow doorway, calling out lustily for attention.

So loudly did he shout that the multitude of ancient swords and guns along the walls seemed to rattle in terror at this sudden encroachment of the present.
"What is it ?" demanded a sharp, angry voice at his elbow.

He wheeled and found himself looking into the wizened, parchment-like face of the little old man, whose black eyes snapped viciously.

"Do you think I am deaf ?" "I didn't know you were here," gasped Truxton, forgetting to be surprised by the other's English.