companion, got firm hold of the top of the wall,
and by an effort clambered over.

"I'm over, all right," he said, in a low voice. "Get over yourself."

Marlowe looked cautiously up and down the street, till he was
satisfied no policeman was in sight, then, making a leap, seized the
wall, and, by the exercise of his strength, drew himself up, and then,
of course, easily descended into the area.

"Here we are," said Jack, in a tone of satisfaction. "Now for work."

"The lights are all out," said Marlowe, softly. "I hope they are all
asleep."

"It's likely they are."

"Did Julius say whether any of them slept in the basement?"

"He didn't find out."

"Well, we must risk it. We'll reconnoiter a little and see what's the
best way to get in."

At length it was decided that a particular window afforded the easiest
ingress. Of course it was fastened inside; but they were not novices,
and this presented not the slightest difficulty to their practiced
hands. With an instrument pointed with a diamond, they cut out the
pane of glass just beneath, and, thrusting in a hand, Marlowe turned
back the fastening. Then the window was softly raised, and both
entered.

They were now in the kitchen. It was dangerous to grope about in the
dark, for some article of furniture might be overturned, and that
would probably create an alarm which would be fatal to their plans.
The first thing, therefore, was to strike a light.

They had a dark lantern with them, and this was speedily lighted. Then
both removed their shoes, and one after the other filed into the
entry.

"Take care, Jack," said Marlowe. "The woman may be sleeping in the
front basement, and might hear you if you make the least noise."

"Suppose she does?"

"We must gag her. If it's the boy, I'll dispose of him pretty quick."

All was still as death. Neither had the slightest idea that their plan
was known, and that preparations of a most unwelcome character had
been made for their reception--that, in fact, they had ventured into a
trap. But on the previous evening Paul had called at the nearest
police station, and, communicating what he knew in regard to the
intended attack, had asked for a guard. One of the force had been
instructed to go back with him and carefully examine the house, the
better to provide, not only for defense, but for the capture of the
burglars.

"They will enter through the back area window," said the officer at
once. "Where do you sleep?"