Some one was coming, sure enough, for as he spoke the heavy tramp of footsteps at the side of the house was followed by a thundering knock at the back door as the forms of two men loomed into view.
“What did I tell you?” quavered Tom, beginning to tremble violently.
“Keep quiet and listen,” repeated Will, peremptorily.
At that moment Mrs. Bertram, in answer to the knock, opened the door.
The lamplight fell upon the faces of two members of the crew of the Golden Moose—the boatswain and mate in quest of Tom Dalton, the runaway.
CHAPTER V.
A BAD PREDICAMENT.
The first question asked by the mate of the Golden Moose referred to Will Bertram, as the watching lad had expected.
“Is your son at home, Mrs. Bertram?” were his words.
“He was a moment since,” replied Will’s mother, a slight shade of anxiety in her face as she glanced around the room. “He seems to have gone.”