"Now knock," commanded the dictator.
Twice the sheriff reached forth his hand, wavered and withdrew it.
"Why don't you knock, man?" Eleazer demanded.
"I'm goin' to."
Tremulously he tapped on the door.
No answer came.
"Knock, I tell you! That ain't knockin'. Give the door a good smart thump so'st folks'll hear it an' be made aware somethin' important's goin' on. I'll show you."
Eleazer gave the door a spirited bang.
"Law, Eleazer! A rap like that would wake the dead," Elisha protested.
"I want it should—or at any rate wake the livin'," Eleazer frowned.