notion to go round and round, why I
guess she will excuse me and I'll oblige you."

"This boy will call a carriage for you and make you comfortable, and I
will be with you as soon as possible. I have a little business first."

He gave a little shiver of relief as he saw Pliny stagger quietly away
with Tommy. All this time, and indeed it was but a _very_ little time,
although it seemed hours to the young man whose every nerve was in a
quiver, his ear had been strained ready for the slightest sound that
might occur in the room over which he was keeping guard; but the utmost
quiet reigned. Winters evidently suspected nothing, and was biding his
time. "The villain means to escape hanging if he can," muttered
Theodore, under his breath.

And now the dim moonlight showed the tall forms of three policemen
approaching. He advanced and held a brief whispered conversation with
them, then the four ascended the steps. Theodore applied his night-key,
and with cat-like tread they moved across the hall, and the library door
swung noiselessly open. They were fairly inside the room before Mr.
Stephens, intent upon his papers, observed them. When he did he sprang
to his feet, with a face on which surprise, bewilderment and
consternation contended for the mastery. "Theodore," he gasped, rather
than said; and it was Mr. Stephens' sorrow ever after that for one
little moment he believed that his almost son had proved false to him.
The next the whole story stood revealed. From the moment that Mr.
Stephens uttered his exclamation all attempt at quietness was laid
aside. A policeman strode across the room, flung wide the closet door,
and said to the cowed and shivering mortal hiding therein, "You are my
prisoner, sir," and from his pocket produced the handcuffs and proceeded
to adjust them, while another disarmed him. Theodore went over and stood
beside the gray-haired startled man.

"Don't be alarmed, sir," he said, gently and quietly; "the danger is
quite over now. His pockets must be searched," this to the policeman.
"He has twenty thousand dollars about him somewhere that belong to us."

"My boy," said Mr. Stephens, tremulously, and with utmost tenderness in
his tones, "what does all this mean? How did you learn of it?"

"By a special providence, I believe, sir," answered Theodore,
reverently.

Meantime the packages of money were found and in order.

"Have you special directions, sir, in regard to the prisoner?"
questioned the po