The burglar realized that so far from being simple he had to deal with a boy who was brave and quick-witted.
“Confusion!” he muttered to himself. “If I am caught here it will ruin me.”
Again he shouted:
“I’ll shoot you through the floor.”
“Better not,” retorted Tom. “It will rouse the neighbors. Besides, I’ve got a revolver too.”
“I don’t believe it.”
“That don’t alter the fact.”
“Why didn’t you show it?”
“I couldn’t get at it while you stood over me with a knife.”
“He’s got me at an advantage,” thought the villain. “I must change my tone.”