"I never did see such a 'fraid cat in my life!" quoth Mrs. Wilson contemptuously.
"Mebbe you're braver'n I be. If you are, go up yourself!" said Silas Wilson angrily.
"You want to put your wife in danger, do you?" returned Mrs. Wilson, who was as averse to facing the burglar as her husband, though she talked more courageously.
"And you want to expose your husband to danger," retorted Silas, "so it's an even thing, so far as I can see."
It is hardly necessary to say that Bert enjoyed the dispute between the husband and wife, though he maintained an outward gravity which helped him to conceal his secret amusement. By this time he thought it time for him to take part.
"I'll go up," he said.
"You will?" exclaimed Silas in surprise and relief.
"Yes, I am not afraid."
"To be sure! The burglar wouldn't do you no harm. You're only a boy. Do you know how to fire a gun?"
"Yes, but I shan't need the gun. I am sure the burglar wouldn't harm me."