"Come and unlock the gate," demanded Ted.
After a moment's hesitation the door slammed, and there was silence.
"Evidently whoever is in charge of the house does not intend to open to us," said Ted, "and I suppose this will have to be the first act of aggression on our part. Shall I smash our way in?"
"By all means," responded the major. "I don't propose to stay out here and cool my heels in front of my sister's house at the behest of a stranger."
"That's enough for me."
Ted picked up a big stone from the road, and with a vigorous blow or two shattered the massive iron lock, and the gate swung open.
Ted and the major entered the garden in front of the house and walked up the path.
As they were about to ascend the steps to the veranda they were stopped by a voice.
"Halt! What do you want?"
"We want entrance to the house," said the major.