"Uncle John probably was the cyclone," said Chester briefly. "I have heard that he used to be considerable of a fighter in his younger days."
"And still he could hardly have done all this," said Hal.
"Remember Alexis," said Chester sententiously.
"That's different," replied Hal.
"Well, maybe so, but—"
Chester broke off and grabbed Hal by the arm.
"Sh-h-h," he whispered.
Hal listened attentively for a few seconds. The faint sound of footsteps could be heard approaching from further back in the house. At the same moment Robard groaned, moved about and sat up. The hands of the two lads dropped to their pockets.
But before they could draw their weapons, they were startled by a voice behind them.
"Hands up!" it said.