w freely under without
soiling the sole. After examining it for awhile, Mr. Delancey was
observed to set his own foot on it, as if to note if there were any
similitude. He turned away with a puzzled look, but in a few minutes
called Jeff to him.

"How came you away from your post last night, eh?"

Jeff explained.

"Well, how came this handkerchief of yours, and this jack-knife, that I
gave you the other day, lying near the broken pane, in the bow-window,
this morning, eh! you black rascal? tell me that!"

Jeff trembled in every joint, and caught hold of a chair for support.

"Guy, Massa, dem tings was in my pocket last night, jis 'fore I went to
bed; I remember usin' 'em 'fore Mr. Quirk went out; but I'se sure I know
nuffin more 'bout 'em."

"Don't you lie to me, sir! If you've had a hand in this business, I'll
have your black neck twisted off, I will. Get out of my sight!"

The expression of poor Jeff's face was pitiful to behold. He turned
away, with his trembling hands clasped before him, and his great eyes
looking upward, as if imploring mercy.

Mr. Delancey then went into Guly's room, and listened to his recital of
what had occurred, so far as he knew, during the night.

"And you are sure you have seen this young man, who drew his dirk on
you, before?"

"Positive of it, sir. I caught but a glimpse of him last night, but it
was sufficient to show me who it was."

"If I send for an officer, you will describe him?"

"To the best of my ability, sir."

"Be up to-day, I s'pose, won't you?" added the merchant, putting his
head into the room after he had gone out.

"Shall try to do so, sir."

"Sure you know nothing of that other scamp?"

"As I told you, sir, he was masked closely, and--"

The door closed without giving him time to finish the sentence; a fact,
which Guly was not sorry for.

Mr. Delancey ordered the store to be kept closed until things could be
put in proper order; gave Wilkins orders to purchase and replace, as far
as possible, the stolen goods, then stepped into his carriage, and drove
home to breakfast.

The merchant's commands were always promptly obeyed. The officer came to
converse with Guly--the broken shutter and window-pane were mended or
replaced--new goods wore purchased, and put in place of the old ones,
and by afternoon no one would have suspected that a robbery had been
committed at No. -- Chartres-street.

CHAPTER XXIX.

"It requires swift foot."

Ti