The reader will doubtless be in no way surprised when we signify that the robber to whom the footman alluded was none other than our old acquaintance, Charles Peace, who, taking advantage of the family gathering at Lady Marvlynn’s, had crept into the house to do a little business on his own account while the festivities were at their height, and had it not been for the little incident of the fan would in all probability have escaped notice, and got clear off without anybody being the wiser. As it was, however, the chances were against him.
Mr. Jones opened the door and entered the apartment.
“Now, then, sir, what are you doing here?” he suddenly exclaimed.
Peace, whose back was towards the speaker, turned round and looked at the footman.
“You audacious thieving scoundrel!” exclaimed the latter.
“Stand back!” cried Peace. “If you don’t, it’ll be the worse for you!”
As he uttered these words he drew from his pocket a life-preserver, which he held menacingly forward.
James Jabez Jones was a brave man. To be threatened and insulted by a contemptible little wretch like Peace was more than he could stand.
He rushed at once forward and laid hold of the burglar, who deftly slipped from his grasp, and then with a cat-like spring made for the half opened window of the bedroom.
Jones, who had not been prepared for this show of activity uttered a growl of dissatisfaction, and in his turn flew towards the window.