a retired corner of the field to wait till night was farther
advanced, and the country people retired to rest. There we had our
supper, consisting of cold victuals and a glass of ale apiece, for Mr.
Sharpley always carried provisions with him in a wallet, in case of
accidents, he said. Into this wallet he had crammed the plunder that he
had taken from the gentleman's house. The shades of night every moment
became darker, the dim figures of the countrymen, as they were returning
to their homes, were seen less frequently, and the lights that gleamed
from the cottage windows were by degrees all extinguished, but it was
not until the clock of the neighbouring village had struck eleven that
we dared to approach the barn, which we then did with cautious steps.
Mr. Sharpley having found that the door was rather loose, pushed it so
much aside as to admit us. We accordingly all entered; he replaced the
board, and soon procured a light from a German matchbox that he always
carried with him. He then emptied the wallet of the booty, which
consisted of four large silver candlesticks, six table and six dessert
spoons.

'Now, Lady Anne,' said he, 'I must put these things into your box, for
in case of a pursuit I and my pack will be the first they will seize and
examine. You must, if possible, step on one side and throw these things
away into a ditch or pond, or anywhere; for, if they are not found upon
us, they will have some difficulty to prove me the thief.'

I said very little, for I was determined this very night, when they
should be asleep, that I would, if possible, make my escape from the
barn and leave them for ever. Having arranged the things in my box, Mr.
Sharpley locked it and returned the key to me, which I wore hung from my
neck by a black ribbon.

* * * * *

[_Lady Anne then ran away, but only to be caught by a policeman._]

Chapter IX

I endeavoured to liberate myself from his grasp, and asked him who he
was and what he wanted.

'Pretty innocent!' said he. 'I suppose you really don't know.'

'If you come from Mr. Sharpley,' said I, 'tell him I shall not live with
him any longer. I mean to go to London.'

'You will go with me first, my dear,' replied the man, 'and, as you will
most likely see Mr. Sharpley this morning, you may tell him your message
yourself; so come along.'

'Where are you going to take me to?' said I, struggling to free myself
from his hold.

'I am going