In answer, George Melville, who stood between him and the door, drew aside, still, however, holding the pistol in position, and the tramp passed out, not sorry, it may be said, to get out of range of the weapon.
They watched him striding through the yard, and when he was fairly gone Mrs. Cole said:
“Oh, how can I thank you for saving me from this wretch?”
“I am glad to have been the instrument of deliverance,” said Melville, politely.
“It was fortunate you had the pistol with you, Mr. Melville,” said Herbert.
“Well, yes, perhaps it was,” said Melville, smiling.
“Pray, put it up, Mr. Melville,” said the farmer's wife, “it always makes me nervous to see a loaded pistol.”
Melville bowed, and put back the pistol in his pocket.
“As your unpleasant visitor has gone,” he said, “I may as well relieve your fears by saying that the pistol is not loaded.”
“Not loaded!” exclaimed Herbert and Tom Tripp in concert.