The man laughed.
"What would we want of eavesdroppers and spies? This is our house, poor as it is. We will guard it when young thieves like you come peering in the cracks. What did you think to steal of honest men as poor as yourselves? Your friend here deserves his broken head. Must I give you one, or will you come with me peaceably?"
"I'll come if you will tell me what you are going to do with us," said
Ivan.
Again the man laughed, and with his foot shoved the body of Warren lying motionless on the ground.
"Come on," said the other man. "Why waste words? Get hold of him and bring him along!"
"Let me have my way," said the man standing over Ivan. "This amuses me.
Come, come, young one, what will you-obedience or a broken head?"
Ivan was silent, then he spoke. "I won't fight," he said. "You are too big, but I won't go in that door with you."
"So!" said the man. "Then we do it in this fashion." He made a rush at Ivan and seizing him in his arms, held him until the other man lifted Warren and so, half carrying and half dragging Ivan, he followed through the dungeon-like doorway into the gloom and chill of the great room beyond.