this, and
it rattled sharply in the stillness.

He had heard a faint creak, and, as he peeped around the corner of the
arch, he saw dimly the figure of a man near the door, evidently just in
the act of opening it.

With a succession of noiseless leaps Ted was across the room, and
arrived at the door just as it swung open and the man was about to
depart.

But Ted was upon his back with the swiftness of a bobcat, and they came
together to the floor with? a crash.

The burglar was beneath, but this did not prevent him from fighting
with a desperation that lent strength to his already strong and lithe
body.

He was slenderer and younger than Ted, who could feel it in the fellow's
build as they struggled.

"Let me out, or I'll kill you," said the burglar, and Ted saw the flash
of a knife.

At the same moment something rushed past them in the dark, and out of
the door.

As Ted saw it dimly it was small, and its motions were awkward and
lumbering. He thought it was a dog, and was about to raise his revolver
to fire at it when he thought better of it, as he did not want to arouse
the household if he could conquer his man without making a noise.

"Don't shoot," said the man, who had observed Ted's motion with the gun.

At this extraordinary request Ted paused.

He had twisted the man's wrist until he dropped the knife, and then
shoved it beyond reach with the muzzle of his revolver.

His strong left hand was in the nape of the fellow's neck, and Ted had
his nose ground into the rug. He had found a gun in the fellow's hip
pocket, and relieved him of it.

Then Ted rose, and told his captive to get up

Slowly he did so, and Ted made him move to the center of the room.

Bud's golden head appeared around the corner of the doorway.

Ted could just distinguish it.

"Who's that?" asked Bud.

"It's Ted. Come in and strike a light. I've caught something."

In a moment a light flared up.

"Jack Farley!" exclaimed Ted, in astonishment.

"Yes, blast you, Jack Farley," replied the youth.

"Couldn't keep away, eh?"

"A feller'd think thet once was enough," said Bud.

"I couldn't help myself. I had to come," growled Farley.

"Well, this time you'll stay. You shan't abuse our hospitality again.
Bud, get a rope and tie our friend. He's skittish, and is likely to run
away if he's turned loose."

Farley was soon tied securely.

"Keep an eye on him, Bud," said Ted. "I want to look over the premises."

Ted went