The friendship between David and Jud seemed to grow stronger each day, and the boys spent most of their time together. One evening, Jud, in response to an invitation from Aunt Martha, came to spend the afternoon and night at the house in Pudding Lane. The boys had intended to go fishing that afternoon, but unfortunately rain began to fall around noon and increased to a steady, violent downpour as the afternoon wore on.
By five o’clock it was so dark that Aunt Martha had to light a candle in order to see to read. Rain was still falling, and with it came a heavy fog that swept like smoke through the narrow streets.
“It’s good we didn’t so fishing,” said Jud. “This is a regular northeast storm. Probably it will last for two or three days.”
“Yes, and it’s growing cold,” said Aunt Martha. “Donald, I think we’d better have a fire.”
Between the two of them the boys soon had a cheerful, crackling fire on the hearth; and by the light of it Aunt Martha became more like her old self. During supper she laughed frequently with the boys, especially when Jud told of his many pets. And afterward she played fox and geese with them. “I declare, Jud,” she said, “I’m glad you came.”
The evening passed swiftly and pleasantly, though outside the wind was howling and sending the heavy drops of rain spattering against the windows.
Don and Jud had finished their last game, and Aunt Martha was looking at them inquiringly, when suddenly the knocker on the door rose and fell.
“Oh!” cried Aunt Martha, startled.
“Now who can that be?” said Don and went to the door.
He opened it a crack and then stepped backward in astonishment as a man pushed his way inside and hastily closed the door behind him.