Hawkins frowned and then, taking the lock from Don’s hands, examined it.
“There is a great deal of wood in the back shed, as you know,” continued Don’s aunt, “and I know that it is not all wet as he says it is.”
“Just so,” said Hawkins and placed the lock on the table. “Just so.” And he went abruptly to his room.
“There,” said Aunt Martha. “What did I say? They’re all alike, these Redcoats.”
Later Snell returned, and while Don was helping his aunt to prepare the supper the two heard the sound of voices from up-stairs. Louder and louder they became until it was quite plain that the two soldiers were disagreeing over something.
Suddenly the voices ceased, and the ceiling jarred with a heavy crash.
“O Donald! What are they doing?”
Steps sounded on the stairs, and a moment later Hawkins, red of face, entered the room. “I’d like a basin of hot water, if you please,” he said.
Aunt Martha hastened to get it for him, and presently he returned with it to the room. He was down again in a few minutes and went out into the street.
Don and his aunt had finished supper when Hawkins again entered the house. “Here, my lad,” he said and put a small package into Don’s hand. “No,” he added, smiling, “it’s something that you can very well accept. Don’t thank me for it.” And he hurried up-stairs.