Bursting through the entrance, the boys nearly ran over an old man trembling with excitement. His peculiar costume excited their curiosity at once. Dressed in a loose fitting jacket that fell outside baggy trousers, his bare feet thrust into wooden shoes, and with his long white hair falling down over his shoulders, he presented a sight the boys long remembered. He was talking excitedly in French.
"Well, Rip Van Winkle," offered Jimmie, after his first full breath of pure air, "we're much obliged to you, I'm sure. Come away from there, now," he added, "the roof will fall presently!"
But in spite of Jimmie's urging the old man tried to enter the stable again, all the time mumbling to himself.
"What is he saying?" inquired Ned, detaining the old man.
"Listen!" commanded Jimmie. Then addressing their rescuer:
"What did you say? What do you want in there?" he shouted.
"Jimmie, Jimmie!" cautioned Ned. "Maybe he isn't deaf!"
"Sure enough!" agreed Jimmie, in a self-condemnatory tone, "I forgot, and tried to shout at him because he doesn't understand English!"
"What is he saying?" again asked Ned, drawing nearer.