Tom explained that the farmer was gone to the village, leaving his wife alone. A tramp had come to the door and asked for a meal. While Mrs. Cole was getting something for him, the visitor looked about him and, finding that there was no man about, boldly demanded money, after unceremoniously possessing himself of the silver spoons.
“Is he armed?” asked Melville.
“I don't know; I don't think so.”
“Does he know that you have gone for help?”
“No; he did not see me. I came from the fields, and saw him through the window. Mrs. Cole thinks I am in the field and there is no help near.”
Physical courage and physical strength do not always go together, and a weak man often excels a strong man in bravery. George Melville was thoroughly roused. For injustice or brutality he had a hearty contempt, and he was not one to stand by and see a ruffian triumph.
“Come, Herbert,” he said; “let us go to the help of this poor woman.”
“With all my heart,” answered Herbert, his eyes flashing.
Before describing the appearance of Herbert and George Melville upon the scene, I will go back a few minutes and relate what happened at the farmhouse.
Mrs. Cole was engaged in ironing when she heard a knock at the door.