"You're a brave boy, Bert," said the farmer. "You're doing just what I would have done at your age."
"You never would have done it, Silas! I should be ashamed anyway to own up I was more of a coward as a grown man than as a boy."
"Sophia, you don't know much about burglars and their ways. Don't be afraid, Bert; I'll back you up; I'll stand at the door of the kitchen with the gun in my hand, and help you if you need it."
Bert smiled, for he knew just how valuable Silas Wilson's assistance would be, but he made no comment, and started on his perilous enterprise.
"I hope he won't come to no harm," said Mrs. Wilson. "I don't know but I'd better go with him."
"It would be safer for you, Sophia, for burglars don't shoot women."
"Much you know about it, Silas."
The two moved toward the kitchen door, Silas handling the gun as if he were afraid of it. They listened with painful attention, and presently heard the sound of voices, though they could not make out what was being said.
"The boy's speakin' to him!" said Silas, awe-struck. "I never see such a terrible time. I wish I'd told Bert to tell the burglar to go back the same way he came, and we wouldn't fire at him. I don't want to be too hard on the transgressor. Mebbe he's driven to his evil ways by destitution."
Mrs. Wilson paid very little attention to what her husband was saying, being more intent on what was passing upstairs.