The chamber had a low and sloping ceiling, and a gable-window
in the roof, which was defended by strong bars. Near this window was an
open cabinet, containing many little drawers and divisions, all of which
were filled with papers; while upon a leaf in the front there lay rolls
of bank notes, and heaps of golden money, which the master had been
counting over. He stood beside his cabinet as if he had just risen from
this occupation, and was leaning upon his chair, panic-stricken at the
tidings Miss Anne had uttered. His grey hair was scattered over his
forehead, instead of being smoothly brushed back; and the long, loose
coat, which hung carelessly around his shrivelled form and stooping
shoulders, made him look far older than he did in the day-time. As
Stephen's eyes rested upon the sunken form and quaking limbs of the aged
man, he felt, for the first time, how helpless and infirm his enemy was,
instead of the rich, full, and prospering master he had always
considered him.

'Keep off!' cried the old miser, as he caught sight of Stephen on the
threshold; and he raised his withered arm as if to ward him from his
treasures. 'Keep off! Stephen Fern, is it you? You've come to take your
revenge. The robbers and murderers have got in! O God, have pity upon
me!'

'I'm come to take care of Miss Anne,' said Stephen, 'They've not got in
yet, master. And, please God, help will be here afore long with Martha.
The doors and windows are safe.'

'Anne, take him away!' implored Mr. Wyley. 'I don't know if it is true,
but take him away. I'm not safe while he's there; they will murder me!
Go, go!'

Miss Anne led Stephen away; and no sooner were they outside the room,
than the master rushed forward and locked and barred the door securely
behind them. There was a window in the landing, looking over the yard
where the housebreakers were, and they stood at it in silence, straining
their eyes into the darkness. But it did not remain dark long; for a
thin, bright flame burst up from behind the dairy wall, and by its
fitful blaze they could see the figures of four men coming rapidly round
from that corner of the old building.

'Fire! fire!' they shouted, in wild voices of alarm, and beating the
iron-studded door with heavy sticks. 'Wake up, master! wake up! the
house is on fire!'

Their only answer was a frantic scream from the servant, who thrust her
head out of her window, and echoed their shouts with piercing cries. But
Stephen and Mi