Feeling relieved, Mr. Winter himself opened the door.
“Did you fire the gun, Ben?” he asked.
“Yes, Mr. Winter. The robber had the ladder up against the house, and was going to get into your window.”
“Where is he now? This is terrible!” groaned the farmer.
“I peppered him with the gun, and I guess he’s gone off.”
“He fired a rock at me. He ought to have fired it at you. I wasn’t the one that shot him.”
“Is this the rock?” asked Ben, picking up the pebble with a smile.
“Yes.”
“It ain’t very large.”
“Neither is a bullet, but it hurts me awfully. Are you sure that man’s gone?”