on't, while you are gathering the goods, I will saw off
one of the window shutters, and cut out a pane of glass, so that it will
seem the entrance was effected by that means. Here are the implements,
you see," said he, holding up a saw and file.

"Aye," said Quirk, "but you'll need a diamond to cut the glass."

"I'll use this," said he, showing the ring on his finger.

"Just as it is?"

"Yes, as good so as any way. Now, the first thing you do after getting
in, is to pull out that filling from the bolt sockets if you care to
save yourselves, then pitch into the goods. Get the lightest and most
valuable--silks, embroideries, rich laces, everything of that kind, but
avoid the linens, cloths, and all that, as too heavy, and besides might
be detected by the stamp. Lock and bolt the door after you when you go
in, and you, Pratt, pocket the key; for no doubt it will be asked for
to-morrow. I'll have a place ready for you to get out. And now let's be
off--here are dark lanterns for you."

"But the watchman," suggested Arthur.

"Oh, never fear a watchman such a night as this; he's snugly asleep
somewhere, no doubt--and if he should come too near, this would 'his
quietus make,'" said Clinton, displaying a glittering dagger.

Arthur shuddered visibly.

"You promised no murder, Mr. Clinton."

"And I'll endeavor to keep that promise, Mr. Pratt," laughed Clinton.
"Now let's be going."

They went out without again seeing Clinton's wife.

The storm swept on unabated, and Quirk and Clinton, arm-in-arm, started
on ahead, while Arthur, reluctant, and remorseful, but ashamed to betray
his feelings, followed in their footsteps, the suffering victim of his
own and another's pride.

The store was reached. The noise of the tempest rendered much caution
unnecessary, for thunder, wind and rain were so loudly uniting their
forces that almost any noise would but have seemed the natural effect of
their fury. But it was with extreme caution that Arthur applied the key
to the lock, opened the door and permitted Quirk to enter. The latter
instantly stepped to the window, and assisted Clinton in taking down a
shutter, and the last named gentleman, with file and saw, soon gave it
the appearance of having been taken down by such instruments alone from
the outside. He then proceeded to cut out one of the large panes of
glass, while Quirk and Arthur, having opened the bolt sockets and
fastened the door with lock and bolt, proceeded to collect