streets, rendering it next to impossible to keep one's
footing.

Arriving, at last, at the door of a small but neat domicile, Quirk
rapped, and they were admitted by a small black girl, who showed them
into a pleasant little apartment, lighted cheerfully, prettily
furnished, and tastefully arranged. A table stood in the centre of the
apartment, and Clinton was sitting by it when they entered, reading to a
young and pretty woman, who was busily engaged with her needle, and
rocking a cradle, containing an infant son, with her foot.

She rose gracefully as Clinton introduced her as his wife, and received
his friends with ease and dignity. Arthur felt not a little astonished
to find Clinton a husband and a father, and told him as much. He blushed
slightly, and replied that every one knew these facts that knew him
well, and laughingly advised Arthur if he wished to be happy to become
one too.

Mrs. Clinton then rose, and going to the sideboard, set out wine for the
guests, and Arthur observed that it was served on a silver salver and in
cut crystal--articles scarcely corresponding with the small house, and
very pretty, but plain furniture.

"Is the back room lighted?" said Clinton to his wife.

"No, but it shall be, if you wish it."

"I do. My friends have a little business to transact with me."

Arthur noticed that when Clinton said this, his wife looked at him very
penetratingly, as if she would read his thoughts, but turned away
re-assured by the bright smile he gave her, and lighted the room.

"Now," said Clinton, when they were alone, "let's at once to business. I
had intended this night only for planning; but we must plan and work
both, to-night, for we may not have such another storm in a month.
You've good pluck, eh, Pratt?"

"Same as ever."

"Good. You got my note and fixed the wine, Quirk?"

"Just so."

"And you are sure you're ready, Pratt, to help to carry out the plan
I've laid for you?"

"Ready for anything short of murder."

"All right, then, there's no murder in the case, only a nice little game
of lock-picking and so on. No backing out now, and beforehand we must
all take this oath: that if any one of us is nabbed, and should by any
chance suffer the penalty of the law, he shall not implicate any of the
others."

"That's fair," said Quirk; "all stand the same chance."

The oath was administered, and each one laid his hand upon the Holy
Book, saying: "I swear," "I swear," "I swear."

"N