“What!” he commenced, but the other interrupted him in a stern whisper.
“Speak low, boy! Make no alarm, or by the powers above I’ll kill you instantly. Do you understand?”
Tom was now thoroughly awake. He comprehended that this man was one against whom it was his duty to defend the store and its contents. On account of the soundness of his sleep he had not heard him effect his entrance.
“What do you want?” he asked.
“You can guess why I am here. I want all the money you have in this store.”
“You had better leave here at once,” said Tom, having recourse to stratagem. “Suppose my employer should have heard you and come in.”
“Suppose he don’t,” said the burglar, with a sneer. “I know as well as you that he is in the country. You can’t play any of your games on me, boy.”
“He has been in the country.”
“And he is there now. Boy, I can’t waste time. Do you see this?” and he drew a formidable knife from its sheath.
“Yes, I see it,” said our hero.