The speaker had brought no light with him, and, shrouded in the dense darkness of the hallway, it was impossible for the boys to distinguish even the form of their host. As a matter of fact, it was only owing to the tone of his voice that they understood a man was before them.
"We want shelter till morning; some food if you can give it to us without too much trouble, and are willing to pay for all we receive," Jacob replied promptly.
"Who are you? Where did you come from?"
"I am Jacob Ludwick—"
"Chris, the baker's son, eh?"
"Yes, sir," and Master Ludwick was proud, rather than displeased, that his identity should be known.
"We're on our way to Mount Holly."
"Why don't you keep on to the town?"
"We thought it would be safer to wait until morning, because the Britishers may be near there by this time."