ting off across the lawn at
a brisk trot, he made his way to the kitchen-garden, but what he sought
was not there, of course not: it was round by the potting shed, he
recollected then; and on cautiously proceeding there, he picked up from
where it lay beside a wall a twenty-round light garden ladder, and set
off with it to the front of the house, where he had spoken to Jane that
morning.

"One--two--three--four; that's the window," muttered Sandy, and the next
instant, exerting his great strength, he raised the ladder and rested
the top against the window sill.

Fortunately, the window entered so quickly by the burglars was on the
other side of the house, and the gardener was able to take his steps for
giving an alarm unheard by them.

"Gude save us!" he muttered, climbing up. "I hope he winna shute me!"

The next minute he listened attentively, and then gave three sharp taps
upon one pane, followed by two other similar signals, ere the blind was
dragged back, the window thrown open, and Sir Murray's hands were
tightly grasping his throat.

"Hoot awa' Sir Mooray, and tak' awa' ye're hands from a man's weam."

"Hand over the letter, you scoundrel, or I'll hurl you down!" exclaimed
Sir Murray, through his teeth.

"The duel's been sleeping in his clothes, and gone half daft," muttered
Sandy. And then, in a whisper: "Let me in, Sir Mooray, and look sharp,
for there are burglars in the house!"

The gardener's announcement seemed to bring his master to his right
senses, and, loosing his hold, Sandy stepped lightly into the chamber.

"You'll just have a pair of pistols, or dirk, or something, Sir Mooray,"
said the man.

His master stepped to a drawer, and drew out a small double-barrelled
pair, examined the nipples to see if they were capped, and then handed
one to his servant, but the latter shook his head.

"Na--na," he said; "I might be blowing his brains out with the thing,
and I dinna wush that. I'll take the poker, Sir Mooray; and now, if
ye're ready, the sooner we're at them the better."

"Ring the alarm-bell!" said Murray.

"Nay, nay, gude sir; let's take them ourselves. Stop the hole up where
they come in, and then we can ring if ye like; but while we're ringing
bells they'll be off, and only to come again."

Giving up the leadership to his servant, Sir Murray followed him into
the corridor, and from thence to the grand staircase, but all was still.
Hastily descending to the library, the unrepaire