I'm an old man but they'll have no mercy," whined Mountchance.
"You fool.

Can't you see that some one _inside_ the house must have bolted and barred the door?
If they don't find you they'll search until they do.

You must tell them that I'm not in the place--that you haven't seen me.

That'll satisfy 'em and they'll go away quickly." "It's you that's the fool.

Somebody must have seen you enter--how else did they know you were here ?" Another ominous splintering noise, then the sharp crack of ripping wood.
"No more of this damned nonsense," muttered Rofflash, and swinging his arm he gave Mountchance a blow with the flat of his hand, toppling him over.