“This is my house, and I want you to leave it,” I returned as steadily as I could.

“I’ll leave it when I please. Hullo there!” he shouted at the top of his voice.

I expected to see some one enter in response to his call, but I was mistaken.

“Guess you are alone,” he went on after a pause. “Now tell me, how much money have you got in the house?”

I was startled at this question. Undoubtedly the man meant to rob me.

“Haven’t a dollar.”

“Come, now, no lying.”

“I have told you the truth.”

“Then I shall take a look around myself.”