Once more the ruffian turned, and this time his countenance changed, for Mark, boyish but resolute, had dropped his bundles, and had the musket pointed directly at him.
Taylor rose to his feet suddenly.
"Take care, there!" he said, nervously. "Put down that gun!"
"Then leave old Anthony alone!" returned Mark, resolutely.
"Are you my uncle's guardian?" demanded Lyman, with a sneer.
"If he is your uncle, the more shame to you to treat him brutally!"
"I didn't come here to be lectured by a boy," said Taylor, angrily. "Put down that gun!"
CHAPTER IV.
THE HERMIT EXPLAINS.
Mark did not obey directly, but turning to the hermit said, "Do you want this man to leave the cabin?"