When Julius went home at six o'clock he found Marlowe and his guardian (if Jack Morgan deserves the title) sitting over a game of cards. They looked up as he entered the room.
"Well, Julius, how are you getting on?" asked Jack. "Have you found out anything more?"
"Not yet, Jack."
"Then it's time you did."
"I'm goin' up to the house to-night."
"Does he know it?"
"Yes; he told me to come."
"What made him do that?"
"I axed him for some old clothes. He told me to come up to-night and he'd give me some."
"That's good," said Jack, approvingly. "Mind you keep your eyes open when you're there. Find out where the swag is kept. It'll save me and Marlowe some trouble."
Julius nodded.
"I'll do my best," he said.
"What time are you going up?"
"In an hour or so."
"I hope we'll make a haul, Marlowe," said Jack. "I haven't been in luck lately. If I could raise a thousand or so I'd clear out of these diggings. The cops know me too well."
"Where would you go, supposin' you got the money?" asked his companion.
"I'd go to California. They don't know me there. Something might turn up for me."
"I'll go with you, Jack, if you go. I've got tired of New York, and, as you say, they know me too well hereabouts. Will you take the boy?"
"No," said Jack carelessly. "He knows how to take care of himself. He'll be better off here."
Julius listened to this conversation, thoughtfully watching the speaker as he spoke, and it helped him to a decision in a matter that had troubled him somewhat. He could not help seeing that Jack Morgan cared nothing for him, except so far as it suited his convenience to have his companionship. Looking back, he could not see that he owed him any gratitude. The balance of favors was on the other side. He had done more for Jack than Jack for him. He asked himself if he wanted to go with Jack Morgan on this journey, and he answered his own question in the negative. It was better that he should leave him now forever. With him he could only look forward to a future of shame and disgrace.
"What are you thinking about, boy?" asked Marlowe. "Do you want to go to California with Jack and me?"
"No," answered Julius.
"Why not?"
"I'd rather stay here," answered Julius shortly.
"When I was a lad I'd have liked to go off on a journey like that."
"I like stayin' here."
"He's used to the streets," said Jack. "He likes 'em. That's best, as he can't go."
"Can you take care of yourself?" asked Marlowe.
"I always has," said Julius.
"That's so," said Jack, laughing. "You ain't given me much trouble, Julius."
The men resumed their game, and the boy looked on silently. After awhile seven o'clock struck, and Julius rose from his seat.
"I'm goin'," he said.
"All right, Julius. Keep your eyes open."
"I know," said the boy.
He had saved enough money to pay for a ride uptown. He took the Fourth avenue cars, and in half an hour found that he had reached the cross street nearest to his destination. Five minutes later he rang the basement bell of the house in Madison avenue.
Paul saw him enter the area, and went himself to open the door.
"Come in, Julius," he said. "I have been expecting you. Have you had any supper?"
"I bought some coffee and cakes."
"I think you can eat a little more," said Paul, smiling. "Mother, can't you give Julius some dinner?"
"Is this the boy you expected, Paul?"
"Yes, mother."
"I saved some for him. Sit down at the table, Julius," she said hospitably.
Julius did as he was told, and directly Mrs. Hoffman took from the oven a plate of meat and vegetables, which had thus been kept warm, and poured out a cup of tea also. These were placed before the young Arab. His eyes lighted up with pleasure at the tempting feast, and the vigor of his assaults showed that the coffee and cakes which he had partaken had by no means destroyed his appetite. Mrs. Hoffman and Paul looked on with pleasure, glad that they had been able to give pleasure to their young visitor. Jimmy, who had heard them speak of Julius, hovered near, surveying him with curiosity. He wanted to "interview" Julius, but hardly knew how to begin. Finally he ventured to ask: "Are you the boy that lives with the robbers?"
"Jimmy!" said his mother reprovingly.
But Julius was not sensitive.
"Yes," he answered.
"Ain't you afraid of them?" continued Jimmy.
"What for?" asked Julius.
"Because robbers are bad men."
"They wouldn't hurt me," said the young Arab indifferently.
"You ain't a robber, are you?"
"No," said Julius in a matter-of-fact tone.
"What makes you live with them?"
"I haven't got anybody else to live with," said Julius.
"Are they going to rob this house?"
"Jimmy, you are talking too much," said Paul reprovingly. "I suppose they haven't changed their plans, have they, Julius?"
"No."
"They mean to come next Monday?"
"Yes."
"Did they know you were coming up here this evening?"
"Yes; I told 'em you were goin' to give me some clo'es."
"Yes," said Paul. "I've got a coat for you."
He opened a bundle and displayed the purchase he had made that afternoon in Chatham street.
"Try it on, Julius," he said.
Julius took off the ragged coat he had on and tried on the one Paul had purchased.
"It is an excellent fit," said Mrs. Hoffman.
"Look at yourself in the glass," said Paul.
Julius surveyed himself with satisfaction. Though second-hand, the coat was decidedly superior to the one he had taken off.
"It's a bully coat," he said. "Thank you."
"You are quite welcome, Julius. You may as well wear it. You can put your old one in a paper and take it back with you."
"Jack wanted me to find out where the money was kept," said Julius.
"You may tell him it is in a safe in the front room on the second floor. But how did he expect you would find out?"
"He left that to me."
"And what will you tell him?"
"I dunno. I'll think of something."
"He won't suspect you, will he?"
"I guess not."
"Suppose he did?"
"He'd kill me," said Julius.
"What a dreadful man he must be!" exclaimed Mrs. Hoffman, shuddering. "How do you dare to live with him?"
"I shan't live with him much longer," said Julius. "He said to-night he'd go to Californy if he got swag enough here."
"What is swag?" asked Mrs. Hoffman, bewildered.
"He means money, or articles of value," explained Paul. "I don't think he'll go to California, Julius. I think he'll go somewhere else."
"I guess I'll go," said Julius, moving toward the door.
"You need not be in a hurry. We should like to have you stay longer."
"He'll expect me," said Julius.
"Go, then, if you think it best. But it is a long distance downtown, and you must be tired. Here is money to pay your fare in the cars."
"Thank yer," said Julius.
He accepted the money, and went out, first, however, promising to call upon Paul the next day at his stand and let him know whether there was any change in Jack Morgan's plans.
"I pity the poor boy," said Mrs. Hoffman, after he went out. "What a dreadful thing it is to live with such a desperate man!"
"I will see what I can do to help him next week," said Paul. "We shall owe him something for letting us know of the robbery."
"I shudder to think what might have happened if we had been taken by surprise. We might have been murdered in our beds."
Jimmy looked so frightened at this suggestion that Paul laughed.
"It is no laughing matter, mother," he said; "but Jimmy looked so thoroughly scared that I couldn't help being amused. Don't be alarmed, Jimmy. We'll take good care of you."
Meanwhile Julius was returning to the miserable room which he called home. He was thinking how he could communicate the information agreed upon without arousing the suspicions of the two confederates. Finally he decided upon a story which seemed to him satisfactory.
It was nine o'clock when he entered the room where Jack Morgan and Marlowe, having got tired of playing cards, were leaning back against the wall in their chairs, smoking clay pipes. The room was full of the odor of a villainous quality of cheap tobacco when Julius reappeared.
"Well, Julius," said Jack, removing his pipe from his mouth and regarding him eagerly, "what luck?"
"Good," said Julius briefly
"What have you found out?"
"I found out that the swag is in a safe upstairs on the second floor."
"Good!" exclaimed Jack, admiringly. "Didn't I tell you he was a sharp one, Marlowe?"
"How did you find that out?" asked Marlowe keenly. "You didn't ask, did you?"
"I ain't a fool," answered Julius.
"You haven't answered my question."
"They give me some supper," said Julius, who had got his story ready, "and while I was eatin' I heard Mrs. Hoffman tell Paul that she had got some men to move the safe from the front room on the second floor into the bathroom. She didn't say what was in it, but it's likely the money's there."
"The boy's right, Marlowe," said Jack.
"Did they give you anything else besides supper?" asked Marlowe.
"Yes; they give me this coat," answered Julius, indicating the coat he had on. "Ain't it a bully fit?"
"Maybe they'd like to adopt you," said Jack jocosely. "If me and Marlowe go to Californy, you can go there."
Meanwhile Marlowe's attention had been drawn to the coat. It struck him that he had seen it before. He soon remembered. Surely it was the one that he had seen purchased in Chatham street the same afternoon. Coats in general are not easily distinguishable, but he had noticed a small round spot on the lapel of that, and the same reappeared on the coat which Julius brought home.
Julius had been about the streets all day, and felt tired. He threw himself down in the corner, and was soon asleep. Marlowe and Jack kept on with their game, the latter wholly unconscious of the thoughts that were passing through the mind of his companion.
Finally Marlowe, at the conclusion of a game, said: "I won't play any more to-night, Jack."
"Tired, eh?"
"Tired of playing, but I've got something to say to you."
"Out with it," said Morgan, tilting his chair back against the wall.
"Wait a minute."
Saying this, Marlowe rose from his seat, and advancing to the corner, leaned over the sleeping boy, and listened intently to his deep regular breathing.
"What's up?" asked Morgan, surprised.
"I wanted to make sure that the boy was asleep," answered Marlowe.
"Why? Don't you want him to hear?"
"No, I don't; for what I have to say is about him."
"Go ahead."
"I mistrust that he's going to sell us, Jack."
"What!" exclaimed Morgan.
"Don't speak so loud. You might wake him."
As he spoke, Marlowe came back and resumed his seat, bending over and speaking to Jack in a low tone.
"What have you got into your head, Marlowe?" said Jack incredulously. "Julius sell us! Impossible!"
"Why impossible?"
"He'd never think of such a thing. What put it into your head?"
"I'll tell you. Do you see that coat he brought home?"
"Yes. What of it?"
"The boy—Paul Hoffman—gave it to him. I saw him buy it this afternoon in a secondhand store in Chatham street."
"Are you sure the coat is the same?"
"Yes; I know it by a spot I noticed at the time. Now, what should he take the trouble to buy a coat for unless the boy had done him some service? It's different from giving him an old coat he had thrown aside."
"That's so," said Jack thoughtfully. "Perhaps he's took a fancy to Julius."
"Perhaps he has," repeated Marlowe incredulously. "You know he ain't rich enough to buy coats to give away."
"I can't think the boy would betray us," said Jack slowly.
"Perhaps he wouldn't; I ain't sure; but we must guard against it."
"How?"
"We must attack the house sooner than we meant. Suppose we say Saturday night?"
"The boy will be in the house."
"It can't be helped. If he makes trouble we must silence him."
"I'd rather have a clear field Monday night."
"So would I; but suppose the cops are waiting for us?"
"If I thought Julius would do that," said Jack, scowling at the sleeping boy, "I'd kill him myself."
"I don't see why we can't do it Saturday night. We can easily overpower young Hoffman. As for Julius, he'll be asleep. Of course, he mustn't know of our change of plan."
"If you think it best," said Morgan in a tone of indecision; "but I'm almost sure I can trust the boy."
"I trust nobody," said Marlowe. "I wouldn't trust my own brother, if he had an interest in goin' against me."
"Do you trust me?" asked Jack, smiling.
"Yes, I trust you, for we are both in the same boat. It wouldn't do you any good to betray me."
"Yes, we're both in the same boat, but you're steerin'. Well, Marlowe, just make your plans, and count me in. You always had a better headpiece than I."
"Then Saturday night let it be. To-day's Thursday."
"Then we have only two days to get ready."
"It will do."
"We'll lock the boy in that night, so he can't make mischief if he wakes up and finds that we are gone."
During this conversation Julius remained fast asleep. Jack soon lay down, and Marlowe also, the latter having taken up his quarters with his friend. The next morning Julius was the first to wake. He leaned on his elbow and looked carelessly at the sleepers. Big, bloated, with a coarse, ruffianly face, Jack lay back with his mouth open, anything but a sleeping beauty. Julius had never thought much of his appearance, but now that he had himself begun to cherish some faint aspirations to elevate himself above his present condition, he looked upon his associates with different eyes, and it struck him forcibly that his guardian had a decidedly disreputable look.
"I won't stay with him long," thought Julius. "If he's took by the cops, I'll set up for myself and never go back to him."
Marlowe lay alongside of his companion, not so disreputable as he in appearance, but not a whit better as regards character. He was the abler of the two mentally, and so was the more dangerous. As Julius looked at him carelessly, he was startled to hear Marlowe talk in his sleep. He was prompted by a natural curiosity to listen, and this was what he heard:
"Don't trust the boy! Make it Saturday night."
These words fastened the attention of Julius. His heart beat quicker as it was revealed to him that his want of fidelity was discovered, or at least suspected. He lay quite still, hoping to hear more. But Marlowe said nothing in addition. Indeed, these words were the precursor of his waking.
Julius saw the indications of this, and prudently closed his own eyes and counterfeited sleep. So when Marlowe in turn looked about him he saw, as he thought, that both his companions were asleep. He did not get up, for there was nothing to call him up early. He was not one of the toiling thousands who are interested in the passage of eight-hour laws. Eight hours of honest industry would not have been to his taste. He turned over, but did not again fall asleep.
Meanwhile Julius, after a sufficient interval, appeared to wake up. He rose from his couch, and gave himself a general shake. This was his way of making his morning toilet.
"Are you awake, Julius?" asked Marlowe.
"Yes."
"You sleep sound don't you?"
"Like a top."
"How did they treat you at that house in Madison avenue?"
"They was kind to me. They gave me some supper."
"Did they ask you if you had a father?"
"Yes."
"What did you tell 'em?"
"That I hadn't got none."
"Did they ask who you lived with?"
"Yes," said Julius, after a slight pause.
"And you told 'em?"
"I told 'em I lived with a friend some of the time, when he wasn't absent in the country," said Julius, grinning, as he referred to Jack's frequent terms of enforced seclusion.
"Was you ever at the Island, Julius?"
"No."
"That's odd! You don't do credit to Jack's teaching."
"Likely I'll go some time," said Julius, who, knowing that he was suspected, thought it would not do to seem too virtuous.
"It ain't so bad when you're used to it. Let me see that coat."
Julius tossed it over to Marlowe. It was the only part of his clothing which he had taken off when he went to bed.
"It's a good coat."
"Yes, a bully one."
"The boy—young Hoffman—used to wear it, didn't he?"
"Likely he did, but he's a good deal too big to wear it now."
"How big is he?"
"Most as tall as Jack," said Julius, Jack being considerably shorter than Marlowe.
"Big enough to make trouble. However, he'll get a telegram Monday, to go over to Brooklyn, that'll get him out of the way."
"That's a good plan, that is!" said Julius, knowing very well that it was only said to deceive him.
"Shall you see him to-day?"
"If you want me to."
"I don't know," said Marlowe. "Do you know where he sleeps?"
"No," said Julius. "You didn't tell me to ask."
"Of course not. It would only make him suspect something. But I didn't know but you heard something said, as you did about the safe."
He eyed Julius keenly as he spoke, and the boy perceiving it, concluded that this was the cause of the sudden suspicion which appeared to have been formed in Marlowe's mind. Of course he knew nothing of the coat, as Paul had not told him of having purchased it.
"I didn't hear nothin' said about it," he answered. "If he's away, you won't mind."
"That's true. I suppose you didn't find out where his mother sleeps."
"Yes, I did. It's the front basement. There was a bed in the room."
Marlowe asked no further questions, and the conversation dropped. Julius threw his blacking-box over his back, and opening the door went out. His mind was busily occupied with the revelation which he had unexpectedly overhead. It seemed clear that the plans of the burglars had been changed, and that the attack was to be made on Saturday night, and not on Monday night, as first proposed. He must tell Paul Hoffman, for he had made his choice between his new friend and his old guardian. On the one side was respectability; on the other a disreputable life, and Julius had seen enough of what it had brought to Jack not to relish the prospect in his own case. He determined to acquaint Paul with the change of plan, and went around to Broadway for that purpose. But Paul had not got opened for business. He had delayed in order to do an errand for his mother.
"I can go later," thought Julius. "It will do just as well."
In this he was mistaken, as we shall see.
About nine o'clock, after a comfortable breakfast, for which he had paid out of his morning's earnings, Julius went round again to Paul's necktie stand. He had just opened for business when the boy came up.
"You're late this mornin'," said Julius. "I was here before."
"Yes; I was detained at home. Is there anything new?"
"Yes, there is," said Julius.
"What is it?"
"They suspect somethin'."
"Who?"
"Jack and Marlowe. They think I ain't to be trusted."
"How do you know? Did they tell you so?" inquired Paul, with interest.
"No; Marlowe talked in his sleep."
"What did he say?"
"'Don't trust the boy! Make it Saturday night.'"
"Saturday night!" repeated Paul in excitement. "Why, that's to-morrow night."
Julius nodded.
"Do they know you overheard?"
"No."
"So you came and told me. You're a good fellow, Julius. You have done me a great favor."
"You've been good to me," said Julius. "That's why I did it."
"I shall be ready for them to-morrow night, then," said Paul.
This conference was watched, though neither Julius nor Paul was aware of it. Marlowe, on leaving the room some time after Julius, had come into the vicinity with the design of getting a view of Paul and ascertaining whether he was the boy whom he had seen purchasing the coat. He came up a moment after Julius reached the stand. Of course he identified Paul, and his suspicions as to the good understanding between him and Julius were confirmed by seeing them together. He listened intently, hoping to catch something of their conversation, but though not far off, the street noises were such as to render this impossible.
"The young viper!" he said to himself. "He's sold us, as sure as my name's Marlowe. I'll wring his neck for him. He'll find he's got into dangerous business."
He went back and reported to Jack what he had seen.
"If I thought the boy was playin' us a trick," growled Jack, "I'd strangle him; but I ain't sure. You didn't hear what he said?"
"No; I couldn't hear, but it stands to reason that he's sold us."
"What do you want me to do?"
"Nothing yet. The boy don't know that we have changed our plans. He thinks we trust him. Let him think so, and when we get ready to go out Saturday night, we'll tie him hand and foot, so he can't stir. Then we'll go up to the house and take 'em unprepared."
"All right," said Jack. "Your head's longer than mine, Marlowe. You know best."
"Of course I do," said Marlowe. "You've got the strength and I've got the brain."
Jack Morgan extended his arms, and watched his muscular development with satisfaction. He was not sensitive about the slight to his understanding. He was content to be thought what he was, a strong and dangerous animal.
What preparations were necessary to be made were made during that day and the next by the two confederates. They were made during the absence of Julius, that he might know nothing of what was going on. Further to mislead him, the two spoke two or three times on the previous evening of their expedition of Monday night. Julius fathomed their design, and was sharp enough not to appear particularly interested.
So Saturday night came. At six o'clock Julius entered the room and found the two seated together. He had had half a mind not to appear at all, but to cut loose from them forever; but this would lead to suspicion, and he changed his mind. Though he had not seen Paul since, he had reason to believe that he had made preparations to receive the two burglars. In all probability they would be arrested, and this would be their last meeting.
"How are you, Jack?" he said, as he entered the room, with a little qualm at the thought that this man, bad as he was, was so near falling into the hands of justice, and by his means.
Jack looked at him, but did not answer. His expression was menacing, as Julius perceived, and his heart beat more quickly, as he thought, "Has he found out anything?"
But luckily for him neither Jack nor Marlowe knew anything definite. Had it been so, the boy's life would have been in peril.
"Have you seen young Hoffman to-day?" asked Marlowe.
"No."
"He don't know we're going to call Monday night, does he?"
"No," said Julius, and he answered truly. "Where could he find out?"
"You might say something to let him know."
"What would make me do that?" said Julius boldly.
"You might think he'd pay you for telling him."
"He ain't rich," said Julius.
"Do you know what I'd do to you if I found out as you'd sold us," here broke in Jack Morgan, his dull eyes gleaming fiercely. "I'd kill you."
"What makes you say that to me, Jack?" said Julius, not showing the fear he felt.
"Oh, it ain't nothin' to you, then?"
"No, it isn't."
Of course this was a falsehood, but it would have been idle to expect the truth from one like Julius, under such circumstances. He knew Jack well enough to understand that he was quite capable of carrying out his threat, and it decided him, when the two went out, to go out himself and not to return. They might find out that he had been dealing falsely with them, and if so his life was in danger. It was yet early, and he decided to go out at once, as he usually did, for it was not very agreeable to pass an entire evening in the miserable tenement rooms.
"Where are you going?" asked Marlowe, as he lifted the latch of the door.
"I'm goin' out. I haven't had any supper."
"You can do without supper to-night, eh, Jack?"
"Yes, he can do without supper to-night."
"Why? What's up?" demanded the boy.
"Never mind what's up," answered Marlowe. "You ain't goin' out to-night."
"I'm hungry."
"We'll bring you some supper. We're goin' out ourselves."
"You never kept me in before," said Julius, who felt that it was best to show surprise at the action of the confederates, though it did not surprise him.
"That's neither here nor there. You ain't goin' out to-night."
"All right," said Julius, "if you say so; only bring a feller some grub."
"We'll bring you some," said Jack, who was not as fully convinced as his comrade of Julius' treachery.
They left the room, carefully locking the door behind them.
Julius sat down on the bed, and began to review the situation. Evidently he was to be locked up in the room through the night, while Jack and Marlowe were robbing the house on Madison avenue. In all probability they would be arrested, and prevented from returning. But suppose one or both escaped from the trap in which they were expected to fall. If their suspicions of his fidelity were aroused now they would be confirmed by the discovery of the police. Knowing the desperate character of both, Julius reflected with a shudder that his life would possibly be sacrificed. It would not do for him to remain here. He must escape by some means.
But how? This was a difficult question to answer. The room was on the third floor, with a solitary window looking out into a small, dirty court. It was too high up to jump with safety, and there was nothing in the room by which he could descend.
He was still considering this question an hour later, when the two returned.
Jack had in his hand a couple of apples.
"There," said he, tossing them to Julius. "That'll do you till mornin'."
"Thank you," said Julius.
It was true that he had had no supper, and he ate the apples with a good appetite. The two men sat down, and, producing the same old, greasy pack of cards which they had before used, began to play. It was not until a late hour that they could go about the business which they had planned. Twelve o'clock was as early as they could venture to attempt entering the house. To prime them for the task, they had brought in with them a plentiful supply of whisky, of which they partook at frequent intervals. They offered none to Julius.
By and by Julius went to bed. He knew they would not go out till eleven, probably, and he would like to have kept awake till then. But this would have been unusual, and perhaps have increased suspicion. So after awhile he lay quiet, and pretended to be asleep. The men kept on playing cards till half-past ten. Then Marlowe spoke:
"We'll hold up now. It's time to be goin'."
"What time is it?"
"Most eleven."
"The boy's asleep."
"Is he?"
Marlowe went to the bed and leaned over. Julius felt his breath on his face, but gave no sign that he was still awake. He was filled with curiosity to know whether Marlowe and Jack meant to carry out their plan this evening.
"He seems to be asleep," said Marlowe, "but we'll lock him in, to make sure. In three hours we'll be back, if all goes well, with plenty of swag."
"I hope so, Marlowe. I've got tired of livin' this way; we'll go to California if we come out right."
"I'm with you, Jack, on that. A pal of mine went out to the mines and got rich. Then he swore off and turned respectable."
"So would I, if I had plenty of tin."
"I've no objection myself, with plenty of money to back me. Money's what makes the difference between people in this world. Give me a hundred thousand, and instead of bein' Tom Marlowe I would be Thomas Marlowe, Esq., our eminent fellow-citizen, and you would be the Hon. John Morgan, eh, Jack?"
Jack laughed at the unfamiliar title, though possibly he was no more undeserving of it than some who flaunt it in the face of society.
"I'm the figger for an Honorable," he said. "But it's time to be goin'. Here's good luck!" and he poured down a glass of the whisky at one gulp.
They carefully locked the door behind them, and their heavy steps were heard descending the rickety stairs.
Julius listened till the sound was no longer heard. Then he jumped up from the pallet on which he had been counterfeiting sleep, and said to himself, "It ain't safe to stay here any longer. How shall I get out?"
It was close upon midnight when Marlowe and Jack approached the house in Madison avenue. There was one thing connected with the position of the house, not before mentioned, which favored their attempt. It was a corner house, and in the rear a high wall separated the area from the street. The two confederates judged that this would be the most feasible way of entrance.
"Boost me up, Marlowe, first," said Jack Morgan. "You're lighter'n me, and can get up alone. I'm fat and clumsy, and I couldn't 'go it alone' to save my neck."
"All right, Jack. Are you ready?"
"Yes. Shove away."
Jack, raised by his 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?"
"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. "Now, if luck's on our side, we'll make a raise."
"You talk too much," cautioned his companion. "Work first, and talk afterward."
They approached the safe, and Jack kneeled down before it and prepared to effect an entrance. Marlowe was about to follow his example, when his ear, made acute by necessity, distinguished a footstep outside.
"Jack," said he in a sharp whisper, "I hear a step outside."
Instantly Jack Morgan was on his feet.
"Do you think we are heard?"
"Perhaps so. If we are we must secure ourselves. It may be the boy. If it is, we'll quiet him pretty quickly."
They never dreamed of any opposition which they would be unable to withstand. Paul was, of course, no match for them, and as to Mrs. Hoffman, she might go into a fit of hysterics, or might give the alarm. It would be easy to dispose of her. Since, therefore, there was nothing to fear, the two confederates thought it best to face the enemy at once and put himhors de combat.
Thereupon Marlowe opened the door at once, and, to his dismay, found himself confronted by four stalwart policemen.
"The game's up, Jack!" he shouted. "Save yourself!"
He made a spring, eluding the grasp of the officers, and plunged downstairs at a breakneck rate. Meanwhile Jack had snapped a pistol at one of the policemen, but it missed fire. By a return shot he was wounded in the shoulder, and his right arm hung useless. He broke into a volley of execrations.
"Do you surrender?" demanded the officer, at whom he had fired.
"I must," said Jack, in a surly tone. "You're four to one."
Only one policeman had followed Marlowe downstairs. Circumstances favored the escape of this, the more dangerous villain of the two. At the foot of the basement stairs was a door, and on the outside was a bolt. This Marlowe had noticed on going up, and the knowledge stood him in good stead. He got downstairs sufficiently in advance of the policeman to bolt the door and so obstruct his progress. This gave him time, and time was all-important to him. While the officer was kicking at the door and trying to burst it open, as he finally did, Marlowe dashed through the kitchen and got out at the open window. Then he had to scale the wall; but this was easy to do on the inside, for there was a narrow ledge midway. In less than a minute he was on the pavement outside, and fleeing from the danger under cover of the darkness.
When he had got far enough to dare to slacken his pace time also came for thought, and he was able to consider how it happened that four officers were concealed in the house. There was but one possible explanation.
"It was that cursed boy!" he muttered, grinding his teeth in a fierce rage. "He betrayed us. He upset the likeliest plan I've joined in for years. He shall suffer for it, curse it! Before I go to sleep this night I'll give him a lesson. He won't need but one."
His soul thirsting for revenge, he hurried back to the miserable room in which Julius was confined. He had no doubt of finding him, for he was satisfied the boy could not get out.
Meanwhile Jack Morgan was compelled, by superior force, to surrender at discretion. The blood was trickling from the wound in his shoulder, and on the whole, he looked the burglar to perfection. While they were slipping on the handcuffs the officer who had pursued Marlowe returned and reported that he had escaped.
"Bully for him!" said Jack. "He's smart, Marlowe is!"
"So his name is Marlowe, is it?"
"You knew it before," said Jack, in a surly tone. "Who told you about our coming here to-night?"
"Never mind!" said the officer. "It was our business to find out, and we found out."
"I know well enough who blabbed," growled Jack. "Curse him! I'd like to strangle him."
"I don't know whom you suspect, my man," said the officer; "but I think it'll be some time before you'll have a chance to carry out your benevolent purpose."
"Perhaps it will," returned Jack; "but Marlowe ain't took yet. He'll attend to the business for both of us;" and there wis a look of malignant joy on his face as he thought of the sure retribution that would overtake Julius.