“What ones?” I persisted, though I supposed she meant to indicate some of my energetic enemies.

Mother Borton paid no attention to my question, and continued:

“I knowed they was a-talking about you, an' they says they would cut your liver out if they found ye there.”

“And where is there?” I asked with growing interest.

“That's what I was listening to find out,” said Mother Borton. “I couldn't hear much of what they says, but I hears enough to git an idee.”

“Well?” I said inquiringly as she hesitated.

She bent forward and hissed rather than whispered:

“They've found out where the boy is!”

“Are you certain?” I asked in sudden alarm.

“Pretty sure,” she said, “pretty sure. Now you won't go near the place, will ye, dearie?” she continued anxiously.