"My mother and little brother sleep in the front basement. I sleep
upstairs."

"The basement must be left vacant."

"Certainly. I wouldn't trust mother and Jimmy there such a night."

"You had better all go upstairs--to the upper floor, if you like--and
we will conceal ourselves on the second floor."

"We will do as you think best. I will stay with you."

"No, Paul," said Mrs. Hoffman, terrified.

"I can't think of your exposing yourself to so much danger."

"I'm not afraid, mother. I think it is my duty."

"You can do no good," said the officer. "There will be enough of us to
take care of them."

With some reluctance Paul gave up his plan. He was bold and
courageous, and, like most boys of his age, he was fond of adventure.
An encounter with burglars promised no little excitement, and he
wanted to be present, and have his share in it. But when he saw how
uneasy and alarmed his mother was, he yielded his desire, as I am sure
you, my boy reader, would have done in his place, even had your wish
been as strong as his.

Jimmy was now fast asleep; but neither Mrs. Hoffman nor Paul could so
readily compose themselves to slumber under the circumstances. They
were standing at the head of the attic stairs, listening intently for
the slightest sound from below which might indicate the arrival of the
expected visitors. At length they heard a pistol shot, then a shriek,
then confused noises of feet and voices, and they knew that the
encounter had taken place. We must go back and explain what had
happened. Carrying their shoes in their hands, the two burglars crept
up the basement stairs. Their hopes were high. Their entrance had not
yet been observed, and even if it were, they were two strong men
against a woman and two boys, the oldest only half-grown. There seemed
nothing to fear.

"Now for the safe," said Marlowe. "It's somewhere on the second
floor."

"The door of the room may be locked."

"Then it'll take us longer, that's all."

But the door was not locked, and the safe was in the front room on the
second floor. In the back room the police were concealed, and were
listening intently to the movements of the burglars. Should the latter
discover them they were ready for an immediate attack, but they hoped
the visitors would get to work first. In this hope they were
gratified.

By chance the two confederates entered the front room first.

"Here's the safe, Marlowe," whispered Jack, in tones of satisfaction.