the authorities, and was not likely to be the last, so he fell
asleep upon his strange couch, and slept as unconcernedly as an
infant. The old man did not immediately lie down. He held up and
examined attentively the suit Marlowe had thrown oft, which, according
to custom, became his perquisite, in addition to the cash payment
demanded, and was gratified to find it in good condition. He next
plunged his hands into the pockets, but Marlowe had transferred their
contents to his new attire. However, Jacob would have been little
richer had his visitor neglected to do so. Having finished his
scrutiny the old man blew out the candle and lay down in the corner
opposite Marlowe.

CHAPTER XX.

THE DISGUISED LISTENER.

On the Monday morning succeeding the attempt at burglary so happily
defeated, Paul thought he ought to go round to the counting-room of
Mr. Preston and acquaint him with the particulars. He accordingly
deferred opening his place of business--if I may use so ambitious a
phrase of the humble necktie stand over which he presided--and bent
his steps toward Mr. Preston's counting-room. The latter had just
arrived.

"Good-morning, Paul," said Mr. Preston, smiling. "I know all about
it."

"About what, sir?" inquired Paul, surprised.

"About the burglary."

"Who told you?" our hero asked, in astonishment.

"Didn't you know it was in the papers?"

"No, sir."

"I read it on my way downtown. These reporters get hold of everything.
Read that."

Mr. Preston put into Paul's hands a morning paper, pointing to the
following paragraph:

"On Saturday evening an attempt was made to rob the house of Nathaniel
Talbot, No. -- Madison avenue. The attempt was made by two well-known
burglars, familiarly known as Jack Morgan and Tom Marlowe. The
enterprise promised to be successful, as Mr. Talbot is absent in
Europe with his family. During his absence the house is taken care of
by a Mrs. Hoffman, whose son Paul, a boy of sixteen, keeps a necktie
stand below the Astor House. Paul, who seems to be possessed of
courage and coolness, learned that the attempt was about to be made,
and determined not only to frustrate it, but to get hold of the
burglars. He gave information at police headquarters, and when the
brace of worthies arrived they met a reception as unexpected as it was
unwelcome. They were permitted to effect an entrance, and met with no
drawback till they reached the second story. Then the police made
their appe