"Hands down," said the man, grinning evilly. "Hands down before I
brain you!"

"What do you want with us?" demanded Ivan.

The man laughed.

"What would we want of eavesdroppers and spies? This is our house,
poor as it is. We will guard it when young thieves like you come
peering in the cracks.

What did you think to steal of honest men as poor as yourselves? Your
friend here deserves his broken head. Must I give you one, or will you
come with me peaceably?"

"I'll come if you will tell me what you are going to do with us," said
Ivan.

Again the man laughed, and with his foot shoved the body of Warren
lying motionless on the ground.

"Come on," said the other man. "Why waste words? Get hold of him and
bring him along!"

"Let me have my way," said the man standing over Ivan. "This amuses
me. Come, come, young one, what will you - obedience or a broken
head?"

Ivan was silent, then he spoke. "I won't fight," he said. "You are