but not in time to prevent the evidence from being
laid before Sir Charles.

What took place in the meantime was briefly this: The prisoner,
handcuffed now instead of tied, was introduced between the constable
and his assistant; the door was locked, and Sir Charles received Mr.
Bassett with a ceremonious bow, seated himself, and begged Mr. Bassett
to be seated.

"Thank you," said Mr. Bassett, but did not seat himself. He stood
before the prisoner and gave his evidence; during which the prisoner's
knees were seen to knock together with terror: he was a young man fit
for folly, but not for felony.

Said Richard Bassett, "I have a cupboard containing family plate. It is
valuable, and some years ago I passed a piece of catgut from the door
through the ceiling to a bell at my bedside.

"Very late last night the bell sounded. I flung on my trousers, and
went down with a pistol. I caught two burglars in the act of rifling
the cupboard. I went to collar one; he struck me on the head with a
crowbar--constable, show the crowbar--I staggered, but recovered
myself, and fired at one of the burglars: he was just struggling
through the window. He fell, and I thought he was dead, but he got
away. I secured the other, and here he is--just as he was when I took
him. Constable, search his pockets."

The constable did so, and produced therefrom several pieces of silver
plate stamped with the Bassett arms.

"My servant here can confirm this," added Mr. Bassett.

"It is not necessary here," said Sir Charles. Then to the criminal,
"Have you anything to say?"

"It was only a lark," quavered the poor wretch.

"I would not advise you to say that where you are going."

He then, while writing out the warrant, said, as a matter of course,
"Remove his mask."

The constable lifted it, and started back with a shout of dismay and
surprise: Jessie screamed.

Sir Charles looked up, and saw in the burglar he was committing for
trial his first-born, the heir to his house and his lands.

The pen fell from Sir Charles's fingers, and he stared at the wan face,
and wild, imploring eyes that stared at him.

He stared at the lad, and then put his hand to his heart, and that
heart seemed to die within him.

There was a silence, and a horror fell on all. Even Richard Bassett
quailed at what he had done.

"Ah! cruel man! cruel man!" moaned the broken father. "God judge you
for this--as now I must judge my unhappy son. Mr. Bassett, it matters