were in there, I crept
close up and peeped in, and there they were; one down on his knees
working at the lock of the safe, the other holding a lantern to give him
light.

"When I had watched them for a minute, I asked God again to help me;
then I felt for the bolt and kept my hand on it while I, all of a
sudden, pushed against the door with all my might and slammed it to, and
shot the bolt in.

"I'd hardly done it when I heard the men drop their tools and run to the
door and try to get it open; saying dreadful words too, that frightened
me. So I only waited to lock the door also before I started to run
upstairs and on through the rooms till I got to papa.

"He was asleep and I was so out of breath, and my heart beating so fast
I couldn't speak for a minute. But I put my arm round his neck and my
cheek on the pillow close to his and he woke."

"And it was you who locked the burglars in?" exclaimed Violet in
astonishment. "I've heard before now of women doing such things, but
never of a little girl like you attempting it. You dear, brave,
unselfish child! I am very, very proud of you!" and she bent down again
and kissed Lulu several times.

The burglars, quite aware that their presence in the house was known,
were making desperate efforts to escape, trying to force the lock or
break down the door, at the same time cursing, and swearing in tones of
concentrated fury.

The captain drew near and spoke to them.

"Men," he said sternly, "you are caught in a trap you have laid for
yourselves, and escape is impossible; both lock and door are strong
enough to resist your utmost efforts; therefore you may as well take
matters quietly."

"That we won't. Let us out or it'll be the worse for you!" growled one of
the villians, grinding his teeth with rage.

"Have a little patience," returned the captain; "you shall be taken out
presently, and off the premises; you are by no means desirable inmates
in the home of any honest, law-abiding citizen."

The response to that was a threat of vengeance to be taken sooner or
later, should he dare to deliver them up to justice.

Finding their threats disregarded, they tried persuasion, appeals to his
compassion--asserting that it was their first attempt to rob, and that
they were driven to it by necessity--they and their families being in
sore straits from extreme poverty--and promises to lead honest lives in
future.

One voice the captain recognized as that of the groom he had d