rs. Cox sprang to assist her husband. For a moment there was a
lively time, and the prospects were good for a regular scene, but quiet
was soon restored, and Josh., muttering, went off to bed.

[Illustration: _In a second, Mrs. Maroney grasped a pitcher and smashed
it over Josh.'s skull._--Page 222.]

"I must go into the cellar the first thing in the morning," said Mrs.
Maroney. "Don't look at me in that way; my faculties are all clear. No
one must go into it until I come down, as I want it to remain just as it
is. I am suspicious of that Madam Imbert. There was no necessity of her
being here so late, or of your leaving her alone, you fool! Be sure,
now, not to let any one go down!" Mrs. Maroney then took a lamp and
started for her room. Rivers listened for some time, and finding all
quiet, went up to Stemples's.

He saw a light in Madam Imbert's room, and after listening around, and
finding no one stirring, he went quietly under her window and threw some
dirt against the panes. The light in the room was instantly turned down.
Soon afterward, the window was noiselessly raised, and Madam Imbert
poked her head out. "Who's there?" she asked, in a low tone.

"Rivers," he replied; "like to see you; important."

"Wait," said she; "I will be with you at the front door directly."

She was acquainted with all the modes of egress, and threading her way
through the darkness, soon stood with Rivers in front of the house. He
reported all that had taken place.

Madam Imbert said: "I think it is all right, but still I may be
mistaken, and we must be sure. Can't you find some way to get into the
cellar? There is a small window, about two feet by thirteen inches,
which you might remove, and gain access in that way. It will be light at
four o'clock; it is now twelve, and every one at Cox's will be sound
asleep at that time. You can then slip in, and if I have disarranged
anything, put it to rights. Be sure not to get caught!"

"I will certainly do it," said Rivers, as he started to return to Cox's.

During his absence some one had set loose a dog that Cox owned. It was a
miserable cur, but was long-winded, like its master, and possessed of
good barking qualities. Rivers got well concealed, but the dog was after
him--bark, bark, bark; he tried all he could to quiet him, but could
not. Soon a neighboring dog commenced to howl; then another, and
another, until all the dogs in the village had joined in a grand chorus.
He did not kno