It's me, Tom Smith, and I've come after that dog of mine that you've stole!" No answer came, nor was the door opened.
"Open the door, I say, or I'll fetch the police for you! pack of thieves that you are!" The threat of the police would have made Huldah smile, if she had not been in such a state of terror for herself, and even more so for Dick.

She knew that her "uncle" would not go within a mile of a policeman if he could help it.

Indeed, she longed and prayed for a policeman to come along then, that she might appeal to him for protection.
Unfortunately for them, though, not even a bolt stood between them and their enemy, and before Huldah could step forward to shoot it, or turn the key, the latch was raised, and Tom Smith was in the kitchen.
With one well-aimed kick he sent Dick into the furthest corner, and with equally sure aim he seized Huldah by the wrist.

"Now, you come along of me, and no nonsense, do you hear?
A fine dance you've led me and your poor aunt! You deserves a good hiding, both of 'ee, and I ain't sure but what you'll get it yet." "Let her alone," gasped Mrs.Perry, "let her go--she isn't yours.
You've no--right--to her." Her face was grey white, her heart seemed to have stopped beating, and she could hardly speak.
Tom Smith took no notice of her whatever, he was not going to waste time in arguing--bullying was more in his line.

"Now then, come along.