The policemen were much disconcerted, but were, however, not at all disposed to give up the search without further efforts.
They observed the glimmer of the light from the window of the servant girl’s room; the latter had by this time returned to her apartment in the roof, and was preparing for bed when she was startled by a loud rap at the window.
“Who’s there, and what do you want?” said she, in breathless accents.
“Open the casement—a burglar is in the house. Open at once!”
“Don’t be afraid, girl; we belong to the police.”
“But I am very much afraid, and that’s the truth,” returned she, unfastening the window and throwing it wide open. “Good kind gentlemen, for the love of mercy tell me what’s the matter?”
The constables made no reply, but sprang into the room. The girl drew back in undisguised alarm.
“It’s most disgraceful to force an entrance into my bedroom—that’s what it is,” she ejaculated petulantly.
“Now, young woman,” said one of the constables. “Answer me truthfully. Have you seen a man making his way over the roof?”
“Certainly not, with the exception of you and your companion; you are the only persons I have seen.”