"Now," thought Oliver, "what shall I do? Shall I shoot at once?"
This course was repugnant to him. He had a horror of shedding blood unless it were absolutely necessary, but at the same time he was bold and resolute, and by no means willing to lie quietly and see his guardian robbed.
It was certainly a critical moment, and required some courage to face and defy a midnight robber, who might himself be armed. But Oliver was plucky, and didn't shrink.
Denton wheeled round and saw Oliver sitting up in bed. He had a black mask over his eyes, and thought he was not recognized.
"Confusion!" Oliver heard him mutter, under his breath. "Cover up your head, boy, and don't interfere with me, or I'll murder you!" he said in a low, stern voice.
"I want to know what you are doing?" demanded our hero, undaunted.
"None of your business. Do as I tell you!" answered Denton, in a menacing tone.
"It is my business," said Oliver firmly. "You have no business here, Mr. Denton. Go back into your own room."
Denton started, and was visibly annoyed to find that he was recognized after all.
"Denton is not my name," he said. "You mistake me for somebody else."
"Denton is the name by which we know you," said Oliver. "Whether it is your real name or not I don't know or care. I know you have no business here, and you must leave instantly."
"You crow well, my young bantam," he said; "but you're a fool, or you would know that I am not a man to be trifled with. Cover up your head, and in five minutes you may uncover it again, and I will do you no harm."
"No, but you'll rob Mr. Bundy, and I don't intend you shall do it."
"You don't!" exclaimed the ruffian, in a tone of suppressed passion. "Come, I must teach you a lesson!"
He sprang toward Oliver's bed, with the evident intention of doing him an injury, but our hero was prompt and prepared for the attack which he anticipated. He seized the pistol and presented it full at the approaching burglar, and said coolly:
"Don't be in a hurry, Mr. Denton. This pistol is loaded, and if you touch me I will shoot."
Denton stopped short, with a feeling bordering on dismay. It was a resistance he had not anticipated. Indeed, he was so far from expecting any interference with his designs that he had come unprovided with any weapon himself.