`` I have come here with a letter , '' I said , `` to Mr. Ebenezer Balfour of Shaws . Is he here ? '' `` From whom is it ? '' asked the man with the blunderbuss . `` That is neither here nor there , '' said I , for I was growing very wroth . `` Well , '' was the reply , `` ye can put it down upon the doorstep , and be off with ye . '' `` I will do no such thing , '' I cried . `` I will deliver it into Mr. Balfour 's hands , as it was meant I should . It is a letter of introduction . '' `` A what ? '' cried the voice , sharply . I repeated what I had said . `` Who are ye , yourself ? '' was the next question , after a considerable pause . `` I am not ashamed of my name , '' said I. `` They call me David Balfour . '' At that , I made sure the man started , for I heard the blunderbuss rattle on the window-sill ; and it was after quite a long pause , and with a curious change of voice , that the next question followed : `` Is your father dead ? '' I was so much surprised at this , that I could find no voice to answer , but stood staring . `` Ay , '' the man resumed , `` he 'll be dead , no doubt ; and that 'll be what brings ye chapping to my door . '' Another pause , and then defiantly , `` Well , man , '' he said , `` I 'll let ye in ; '' and he disappeared from the window . CHAPTER III I MAKE ACQUAINTANCE OF MY UNCLE Presently there came a great rattling of chains and bolts , and the door was cautiously opened and shut to again behind me as soon as I had passed .
`` Go into the kitchen and touch naething , '' XXXXX the voice ; and while the person of the house set himself to replacing the defences of the door , I groped my way forward and entered the kitchen .
cried disappeared find growing heard opened rattling resumed said surprised