kes" safely away under
the bed, and went downstairs again, feeling all impatience for the
evening to arrive.

Edward was extremely particular about locking up that night--he examined
every bolt and bar, closed all the shutters, put a screw in the
back-kitchen window and a wedge in the cellar door, and finally went
round the whole establishment with a lantern, peeping into pantries and
china-closets, and even the housemaid's cupboard under the stairs, to
make quite sure that nobody was concealed there with nefarious intent.
He retired to bed at last with a revolver under his pillow; Dick took
the air-gun, which he had borrowed from Captain Vernon, while George,
not being able to obtain any firearms (the squire having wisely locked
up his gun cupboard and taken the key away with him), was obliged to
content himself with the garden syringe well charged with water, with
which he could certainly give anyone a decidedly cold reception. It was
past ten o'clock before we were all in our rooms, and Cathy and I
decided that we would not go to bed, as we were much too excited to feel
sleepy; so we sat eating apples and reading to pass the time, as we did
not dare to talk much for fear the boys should overhear us. At ten
minutes to twelve we opened our window and looked out. It was a
beautiful moonlight night, just bright enough to make the room rather
light without showing any object too plainly, and nothing could be more
fortunate for the success of our plot.

Cathy climbed cautiously on to the roof, and I managed to hand up the
burglar--with some difficulty, I own, for if he were not heavy he was
decidedly bulky. She had tied a rope under his arms so that she might
dangle him more securely, and she very soon unfastened the trap-door and
let his legs down through the opening.

"Are you ready?" I called under my breath, as I watched her from the
balcony.

"Hush! Yes, just got him right!" she whispered; "you may go now.
Remember, Edward first!"

It was an exciting moment. I ran down the passage, and tapped softly at
Edward's door.

"Oh, do come quick!" I said in a low voice, which I am sure must have
sounded most agitated. "We've heard such strange noises, and we can't
help thinking that someone's trying to break into the north room!"

Edward appeared in an instant, fully dressed, and armed with his
revolver. I am sure that even if he had lain down on his bed, he had
neither removed his clothes nor closed his eyes. He look