It would be a man against a boy, or rather against two boys, for Ben did not count on much help from his stepfather, but he did not feel afraid. As Ben is my hero, I am rather pleased to say that, though not foolhardy, he possessed a good share of courage.
He lay in bed listening for any noise, but an hour passed before his attention was roused. Then a little sound as of something touching the house enlisted his attention.
He got out of bed and went to the window. It may be remarked that his room was directly over that occupied by his stepfather. “By gracious!” he exclaimed under his breath, “I am just in time.”
A ladder was leaning against the house, and half way up he saw his antagonist of the fields. The ladder was so placed that the unauthorized intruder could enter Mr. Winter’s chamber through the open window.
“There’s no time to be lost!” thought Ben. “I’ll get the gun.”
CHAPTER VI.
A DISAPPOINTED BURGLAR.
Ben hesitated whether to address the burglar or not before firing the gun. Certainly the intruder had no claim to a warning, but Ben decided to be generous and give him the chance to retire in good order.
Accordingly, half leaning out of the window, he called out: “What do you want here?”
The burglar was startled, but looking up and seeing only a boy, he took courage, and his native impudence asserted itself.