“‘Now then, Brunton,’ whispered the other, ‘let us have no nonsense. We have not met before, it is true, but Louie has so well described you, that putting another name on your door was simply idiotic. Besides, one of our friends has watched for your return, and we communicated with him as soon as we landed. Go free if you like, but we will have the plates.’
“‘Dat’s de matter vid us,’ echoed the German; ’ve vill have de plates.’
“‘I know nothing of any plates,’ I cried, ‘nor of Louise, nor of you. All I know is that you will see the inside of a prison very shortly.’
“‘And you think you can throw us, throw me over in this way? Dou you think you deal with children?’
“‘I think I deal with a burglar. Most certainly with a rascal of some sort or other.’
“Here my two friends held a whispered conference. Then he of the revolver turned sharply towards me.
“‘Will you marry Louise? Will you give up the plates and marry my sister?’
“‘She lofe you like old boots,’ added the German; and from which I opine that he prided himself on a knowledge of English idiom.
“In spite of my serious position I was getting thoroughly amused.
“The dark doorway held unknown terrors to my excited imagination; but two commonplace fellows who had made a mistake caused a feeling of merriment, even in spite of the revolver.