“This is our house, sir, and I do not know as I am obliged to let you come in until you have told me your errand.”
Joe was surprised at the calmness with which she spoke, and she stood at her post undaunted.
“I will show the little vixen who is who!” cried the infuriated sheriff. “Let me come in, girl, or I will——”
“Don’t do anything rash, Stanyan,” admonished Hardy. “If we manage this right we can land the whole crowd in jail before night.”
CHAPTER XXV.
TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS.
“Isn’t there another door?” asked the sheriff. “I do not care to meddle with this vixen if I can help it.”
“You had better not,” cried Joe, but her heart began to fail as she realized how helpless she was. She could only hope that the others had succeeded in secreting Mary so the officers could not find her. But if they did, what then?
The sheriff lost no time in seeking the side door, ’Squire Hardy and one of the men remaining in front, as if he was afraid to face the brave girl in the doorway alone.
“It will be better for the girl to come along peaceably,” he said.
But Joe made no reply, while she listened for sounds of what was taking place within the house.