While they were all thus busily engaged, Jerry was aware of a dispute going on at the entrance to the tent. He heard the voice of Tom Johnson, the man hired to remain on guard, raised in protest against the approach of some one.
“I tell you that you can’t go in!” exclaimed Tom. “They don’t allow it. No one is allowed inside while they’re working.”
“I tell you I must go in. I want to see them on a very particular matter,” was the reply.
“Is it that old nuisance, Sid Joffy, coming back to bother us?” asked Mr. Glassford. “If it is we’ll have him arrested. I thought you said, Jerry, that you scared him so that he wouldn’t come around again.”
“And so I did. That isn’t Joffy’s voice. I think I know who it is. Wait a minute.”
Jerry laid aside the work he was engaged upon, and strode toward the tent flap. As he approached he heard Johnson saying:
“If you try to go in I’ll stop you.”
“Don’t you dare touch me!” was the indignant answer. “If you do—but excuse me, my dear man, just a moment now—don’t stir, that’s a good fellow. I’ll have him off you in a minute. Don’t stir, I beg of you, as you value——”
“Is it a snake?” cried the guard. “If it is take him off, quick! I’m terrible afraid of snakes!”
“No, it’s not a snake; it is a most perfect specimen of a horse-fly. I have long desired to catch one. Stand perfectly still.”