"Don't kill the men if you can help it," she whispered. "It would be better to frighten them very badly rather than stain your hands with blood."
Jack made no reply; but the thought came into his mind that he would stand a poor chance of frightening a burglar, with nothing but the well worn knife.
He opened the door softly.
Aunt Nancy stood ready to close and lock it instantly he was on the outside, and the decisive moment had arrived.
Chapter IX.
THE ALARM.
It must be confessed that Jack was not at all eager to face the alleged burglars.
He knew very well that if there were no more than two he would stand a slim chance of driving them away, and even one good sized man might make it very uncomfortable for him.
Had he been left to follow his own inclinations, the outer door would not have been opened, but he knew Aunt Nancy depended upon him for protection, and he must make a reputation for courage or be disgraced in her eyes.
The sky was overcast with clouds, and Jack could not distinguish objects ten paces away as he stepped on to the broad stone in front of the door.