He then bethought him of what to do. He glanced at the back of the house.
One of the windows of the first-floor room seemed to be available. He might succeed in climbing up to this without attracting anyone’s notice.
He paced up and down the garden, being still in doubt as to the weakest point of attack.
While doing so he observed a short ladder stretched lengthways by the side of the wall.
It had been used in the early part of the day by a man who had come to prune the vines.
This would suit his purpose admirably. He rubbed his hands with glee.
“Sent on purpose; nothing could be better,” he murmured. “Nothing.”
He looked over the wall; no chance passenger was visible. He reached the ladder, and in an incredibly short space of time he succeeded in opening the back window.
He crept softly into the apartment. He found himself in an elegantly-furnished room full of articles of virtu, with a large wardrobe, in which were articles of female attire, a lady’s riding habit, sealskin mantles, and other costly garments.
Peace looked about, and observed by the aid of his dark lantern a number of valuable trinkets and portable property, which quite charmed him to look upon.