by the arm, she hurried him along, explaining how
she had not gone to sleep, but had lain thinking. "My light was out, of
course," she said; "and this marauder, whoever he is, must have thought
all the household asleep. I watched him cross the lawn and presently
bring back a ladder from the potting-shed. He reared it against the
window of an empty room. I at once came to you. As soon as he has
discovered his mistake he will probably try another."

"Then shall I go down-stairs and capture him as he descends?" suggested
Lionel.

"Let us see first from the window," she said. "We must make sure."

They entered her bedroom together and walked softly toward the window.
The blind was up.

There was no moon, but the faint promise of the dawn lent a dim light,
by which objects, grotesquely shadowed, could be distinguished. When
they reached the window Lionel saw the top of a ladder resting against
the sill.

"You're right!" he whispered. "Now, I'm off outside!" He turned to go,
but was detained by a pressure on his arm.

"No, no!" whispered Winifred. "I can not let you--there may be a
gang--you might get hurt----"

"Nonsense!"

"I insist!"

"Then why----"

"You must _not_ go! Throw something instead----"

"Absurd! I----"

"I beg you!" she entreated, and her voice was so timid that once again
Lionel's heart failed. "All right!" he said. "Give me something heavy.
I'll fling up the window suddenly and surprise him!"

She pressed his arm gratefully and glided across the room. The next
moment she was at his side, offering the water-jug.

"Capital!" whispered Lionel. "Drench him first, then stun him with the
jug. Any other trifles to bestow? Soap--hair-brushes--a boot or two? Any
little knickknacks----"

"The ladder is moving!"

It was being shifted a few inches, apparently to a better foothold.
Lionel seized the jug and made ready for action.

"Cigar or cocoa-nut, lidy?" he whispered joyously as he threw up the
sash.

CHAPTER XXI

THE THORNY PATH

"Dinner _as_ usual, sir?" said the landlord of The Happy Heart, looking
into the parlor where Tony and Robert were playing piquet.

"Please, Mr. Glew," said Tony. "Seven o'clock as usual. Oh, by the way,
have you got such a thing as a lantern?"

"A lantern!" interjected Robert in surprise. "Why, what----" He was
checked by a kick under the table.

"I dare say I can find you one, sir," said the landlord. "We don't need
'em these summer nights, but I'