Again the dog inside barked, this time with fierce emphasis.
"Is there no one inside but the dog?" thought Harry anxiously. Having no weapon with him, he took a piece of a broken rail, so that in case of necessity he might have a means of defence.
He was about to venture on a third knock when a tremulous voice, which the boys at once recognized as that of a girl, was heard from within.
"Who are you? What do you want?"
"We are two boys who have lost our way, and are almost starved," answered Harry. "For Heaven's sake let us in, and give us something to eat."
There was a pause, the girl being evidently undecided.
"Are there only two of you?" she asked.
"Only two."
"You are sure there is no one with you?"
"No one."