So it was arranged, and, leaving the others hidden in the barn, the two cadets started to walk through the woods to the road.
"Keep your guns with you," advised Jed Wallop. "And if you git into anything like a tight place, shoot off one of the guns as a signal and we'll be to the rescue in no time."
The two boys were soon out on the lonely mountain road, and then they headed for the old house. Boldly mounting the main piazza, they knocked sharply on the door.
At first there was no response, and the lads were just congratulating themselves on the fact that the premises were deserted when they heard shuffling footsteps. Then came the tremulous voice of an elderly woman speaking in broken English.
"Who ist der? Vat you vants?"
"We are a couple of boys out hunting," answered Jack. "We would like to know if we can buy something to eat."
"I haf nodings for you. You besser go somevhere else."
"Can't we come in and get warm?" asked Gif.
"Nein. You go avay."
"Who lives here?" questioned Jack loudly, for the woman had made no attempt to open the door.