If he had had any lingering doubts about this, they were driven away at sight of a farmhouse standing back a short distance from the latter highway and nearly concealed by a clump of trees, and which he knew must be the house of Mr. Renders' brother.
An unnatural stillness seemed to hang over the place, and at first he was inclined to ignore Mr. Renders' advice and keep on. But he knew only too well that Jack and Fairy needed all the rest they could get before completing their long journey.
Accordingly, he advanced boldly to the door, and seizing the heavy brass knocker, he raised a noise that must have aroused every inmate of the house.
Heads quickly began to appear from the windows, until he imagined he had awakened a house full of people.
"Who's there, and what is wanted at this unseemly hour?" demanded a voice he felt sure belonged to the host.
Little Snap quickly explained his situation, and as he finished speaking, handed Mr. Renders the note sent by his brother.
"Wait till I can strike a light, when I will read it, and if I think favorable of what he says, I will be out in a moment."
Then the window was closed, while a minute later a light shone from the apartment.
This last soon began to move about, and it was not long before the door was opened, when Mr. Renders appeared fully dressed.
"Hope you will excuse my delay, but I didn't keep you waiting longer than I could help. So you have come from Six Roads?"