"Evidently whoever is in charge of the house does not intend to open to
us," said Ted, "and I suppose this will have to be the first act of
aggression on our part. Shall I smash our way in?"
"By all means," responded the major. "I don't propose to stay out here
and cool my heels in front of my sister's house at the behest of a
stranger."
"That's enough for me."
Ted picked up a big stone from the road, and with a vigorous blow or two
shattered the massive iron lock, and the gate swung open.
Ted and the major entered the garden in front of the house and walked up
the path.
As they were about to ascend the steps to the veranda they were stopped
by a voice.
"Halt! What do you want?"
"We want entrance to the house," said the major.
"You can't get in without an order from Deputy Marshal Burk," said the
voice behind the door.
"The deuce I can't!" growled the major, whose fighting blood was coming
up at this opposition. "Do you know who I am?"
"No, and it don't make no difference who you are. Them's my orders from
the chief."
"I am the brother of Miss Mowbray."
A silence followed this.
"Can't help it," said the voice again. "I can't let you in."
"Open that door instantly, or we'll break it in."
"If you try that you'll be sorry. I warn you, I am armed, and have
orders to shoot.
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