most say in pieces.

I was a good deal discouraged after this unfortunate affair, and might
have postponed indefinitely my further experiments, had not fortune
unexpectedly placed in my way what appeared to be an opportunity of
dealing with a burglar after the most approved fashion of heroism. I
was on a visit to an uncle who lived in rather a grand house at
Bayswater, and kept up what people are wont to call a good deal of
style. This "style" always rather depressed me, for it left me no
opening for distinguishing myself on the heroic side of my character,
and after a week I was beginning to get home-sick, when a curious
incident occurred to break the monotony of my visit.

I was put to sleep in a sort of dressing-room immediately over the
drawing-room, and here one night--or rather one dark winter morning--I
was suddenly awakened by the sound of voices in the room below. I lay,
as people are apt to lie under such circumstances, stiff and still for
five minutes, listening with all my ears. There came into my mind while
thus occupied all that the authorities had said in reference to
burglars; and when, after a lapse of five minutes, the voices again
became audible, I knew exactly what was expected of me.

I looked at my watch. Five o'clock. I was certain it could not be the
servants; besides, even through the floor I could tell the voices were
male. I glided from my couch, and pulled on my nether garments, and
then warily set my door ajar. I could see a light through the chink of
the door in the landing below, and heard a stealthy footstep. So far,
so good. I returned to my room, seized the poker and the water-bottle,
and then cautiously descended to the drawing-room door.

Here I once more listened carefully. The keyhole was not eligible for
observation, but my sense of hearing was acute. I heard--and this
rather surprised me--some one in the room whistle softly to himself,
then a gruff, typical burglar's voice said, "Now, then, with that there
sack! Fetch 'im 'ere, or I'll warm yer!"

I heard the whistling cease, as something was dragged across the floor.
"Now, then," said the first voice, "wake up, Jemmy." That was enough
for me. I recognised in this last name a term inseparably connected
with burglary; and, not waiting longer, I flung open the door, and with
a shout, as much to keep up my own courage as to alarm the enemy, I
hurled first my poker, then my water-bottle, then myself in the
directio