ger fled from the
scene like an evil spirit, while John Waters sprang up and grasped the
pistol and poker.

The effect on Brassey in the drawing-room cannot be conceived, much less
described. He shot, as it were, out of the crimson-gilded chair and
overturned the lamp, which burst on the floor. Being half full of
paraffin oil it instantly set fire to the gauze window-curtains. The
burglar made straight for the stairs. John Waters, observing the light,
dashed up the same, and the two met face to face on the landing,
breathing hate and glaring defiance!

CHAPTER SIX.

RELATES A STIRRING INNOCENT.

Now it was at this critical moment that I chanced to come upon the
scene.

I had just ascertained from the brass plate on the door that Dr
McTougall dwelt there, and was thinking what an ugly unromantic name
that was for a pretty girl as I descended the steps, when Dumps's first
yell broke upon my astonished ears. I recognised the voice at once,
though I must confess that the second yell from the interior of the
watering-pan perplexed me not a little, but the hideous clatter with
which it was associated, and the sudden bursting out of flames in the
drawing-room, drove all thoughts of Dumps instantly away.

My first impulse was to rush to the nearest fire-station; but a wild
shouting in the lobby of the house arrested me. I rang the bell
violently. At the same moment I heard the report of a pistol, and a
savage curse, as a bullet came crashing through the door and went close
past my head. Then I heard a blow, followed by a groan. This was
succeeded by female shrieks overhead, and the violent undoing of the
bolts, locks, and chains of the front door.

Thought is quick. Burglary flashed into my mind! A villainous-looking
fellow leaped out as the door flew open. I recognised him instantly as
the man who had sold Dumps to me. I put my foot in front of him. He
went over it with a wild pitch, and descended the steps on his nose!

I was about to leap on him when a policeman came tearing round the
corner, just in time to receive the stunned Brassey with open arms, as
he rose and staggered forward.

"Just so. Don't give way too much to your feelings! I'll take care of
you, my poor unfortunate fellow," said the policeman, as a brother in
blue came to his assistance.

Already one of those ubiquitous creatures, a street-boy, had flown to
the fire-station on the wings of hope and joy, and an engine came
caree