each other, and of course there could be but one result they threw their
tools into a corner and made the ascent. Up there were the same signs of
decay. In one corner they found a closet that promised mystery, but the
promise was a fraud there was nothing in it. Their courage was up now
and well in hand. They were about to go down and begin work when
Sh! said Tom.
What is it? whispered Huck, blanching with fright.
Sh!... There!... Hear it?
Yes!... Oh, my! Let s run!
Keep still! Don t you budge! They re coming right toward the door.
The boys stretched themselves upon the floor with their eyes to
knotholes in the planking, and lay waiting, in a misery of fear.
They ve stopped.... No coming.... Here they are. Don t whisper another
word, Huck. My goodness, I wish I was out of this!
Two men entered. Each boy said to himself: There s the old deaf and
dumb Spaniard that s been about town once or twice lately never saw
t other man before.
T other was a ragged, unkempt creature, with nothing very pleasant
in his face. The Spaniard was wrapped in a serape; he had bushy white
whiskers; long white hair flowed from under his sombrero, and he wore
green goggles. When they came in, t other was talking in a low voice;
they sat down on the ground, facing the door, with their backs to the
wall, and the speaker continued his remarks. His manner became less
guarded and his words more distinct as he proceeded:
No, said he, I ve thought it all over, and I don t like it. It s
dangerous.
Dangerous! grunted the deaf and dumb Spaniard to the vast surprise
of the boys. Milksop!
165