t!--and not many such
waistcoats." She laughed heartily, but Cowen's lip curled in a
venomous sneer. He said: "More likely 'twas the knave himself. Look
to your spoons, if such a face as that walks by night." Barbara turned
grave directly; he eyed her askant, and saw the random shot had gone
home.

Captain Cowen now often slept in the City, alleging business.

Mr. Gardiner wrote from Salisbury, ordering his room to be ready and
his sheets well aired.

One afternoon he returned with a bag and a small valise, prodigiously
heavy. He had a fire lighted, though it was fine autumn, for he was
chilled with his journey, and invited Captain Cowen to sup with him.
The latter consented, but begged it might be an early supper, as he
must sleep in the City.

"I am sorry for that," said Gardiner. "I have a hundred and eighty
guineas there in that bag, and a man could get into my room from yours."

"Not if you lock the middle door," said Cowen. "But I can leave you
the key of my outer door, for that matter."

This offer was accepted; but still Mr. Gardiner felt uneasy. There had
been several robberies at inns, and it was a rainy, gusty night. He
was depressed and ill at ease. Then Captain Cowen offered him his
pistols, and helped him load them--two bullets in each. He also went
and fetched him a bottle of the best port, and after drinking one glass
with him, hurried away, and left his key with him for further security.

Mr. Gardiner, left to himself, made up a great fire and took a glass or
two of the wine; it seemed remarkably heady and raised his spirits.
After all, it was only for one night; to-morrow he would deposit his
gold in the bank. He began to unpack his things and put his nightdress
to the fire; but by and by he felt so drowsy that he did but take his
coat off, put his pistols under the pillow, and lay down on the bed and
fell fast asleep.

That night Barbara Lamb awoke twice, thinking each time she heard doors
open and shut on the floor below her.

But it was a gusty night, and she concluded it was most likely the
wind. Still a residue of uneasiness made her rise at five instead of
six, and she lighted her tinder and came down with a rushlight. She
found Captain Cowen's door wide open; it had been locked when she went
to bed. That alarmed her greatly. She looked in. A glance was
enough. She cried, "Thieves! thieves!" and in a moment uttered scream
upon scream.

In an incredibly short time pa