He talked in a loud tone, to cover up what noise his companion might make.

The boys listened, but refused to open the door until some sort of help should arrive, or until morning came.
"Sam, you go outside and see if Jack and the Ditwolds are anywhere around," said Dick, and the youngest Rover departed immediately.
Presently Tom and Dick heard Cuffer give a cry of pain.
"You've stepped on my sore toe!" howled the man.

"Phew! how it hurts!" The two men talked about the hurt toe for several minutes.

Then their voices suddenly ceased.

Tom and Dick strained their ears, but could hear absolutely nothing.
"They must be up to some trick," whispered the eldest Rover.