“Or suspicious,” remarked Ralph.
“Stop right there. Who are you, and what do you want?”
The boys paused summarily, a bit taken off their balance. Very suddenly the barrel of a long shotgun was thrust through the slats of one of the wooden shutters, and the voice which challenged them showed no timidity or nonsense.
“We want to see Mrs. Hannah Clifton,” replied Ralph politely, revealing himself.
“What for?” demanded the uncompromising invisible challenger.
“Why--er--that is--” began the rattled Zeph stammeringly.
“Shut up,” whispered Ralph unceremoniously. “In behalf of Mr. Rivers,” added Ralph ahead.
“He sent you, did he?”
“We just came from him.”
“On business, I suppose?”