"You can't get in without an order from Deputy Marshal Burk," said the voice behind the door.
"The deuce I can't!" growled the major, whose fighting blood was coming up at this opposition. "Do you know who I am?"
"No, and it don't make no difference who you are. Them's my orders from the chief."
"I am the brother of Miss Mowbray."
A silence followed this.
"Can't help it," said the voice again. "I can't let you in."
"Open that door instantly, or we'll break it in."
"If you try that you'll be sorry. I warn you, I am armed, and have orders to shoot."
"Shoot, and be jiggered!" shouted the major, who was thoroughly angry by this time, for he was not used to having his orders disobeyed.
"I will if you attempt to break into this house. If you get an order I'll let you in. Without an order you get in only after I am down and out."