Blodget now sprang upon the bed, and tearing down some of the hangings from the back part of it, he saw a small square door in the wall. It was not fastened.
No doubt the secrecy of the position of that receptacle for valuables was much more relied upon by the lady than any sort of lock or fastening.
The fact was, that when once it was found out that that was the hiding place for the valuable property that could be put in it, the security was gone.
No lock or bolt could for many moments have added to it in any shape or way.
Blodget saw at once when he pulled open the door that he had received correct information. Immediately within the little square door were some shelves built in the thickness of the wall, and upon them a heap of property of a valuable and portable nature.
Bracelets—rings—necklaces—watches—spoons—gold quartz—and jewellery of all descriptions, met the gaze of the robber as he glanced upon the shelves.
‘All right,’ said he.
The lady was a bold woman, and she had kept her eye upon Blodget, and when she heard him say ‘All right,’ the thought that he had discovered all her most valuable property drove her to an act of defiance.
‘Thieves!’ she said, and she raised a loud scream.
‘Kill her!’ said Blodget.