All three of the boys sprang back in amazement. From whence had that unexpected command proceeded?
“Halt, I say!”
They stopped short.
“Who are you?” asked Jerry quickly.
“I am the Lonely Man. Leave me!”
“The Lonely Man,” repeated Jerry.
“Yes. Depart, my boys, at once.”
“Are you the man they call the hermit of the island?” asked Harry.
“I presume so. Now leave me. I have not spoken to other men for years.”