The burglar then paused for a brief space of time, and bethought him of his next proceedings.
He had coloured his face, and otherwise disfigured himself, in accordance with his custom when engaged in marauding expeditions of this nature.
He slid over his boots a pair of list slippers, and crept noiselessly into the passage. At the end of this was the reception-room, where the parents of the young ladies were shown into the presence of the mistress of the establishment.
On the table of the reception-room several pieces of plate were ostentatiously displayed, which had been from time to time presented to Miss Chickleberry, either by the parents of her scholars or by the pupils themselves.
They of course had a most imposing appearance, and did not escape the eye of the burglar, who at once transferred them to his bag.
In addition to these he possessed himself of an ormolu clock and several other articles of value.
He could have now returned from the scene of his depredations with a large booty, without running any further risk, but he was not a man so easily satisfied.
He was bent upon going into the other rooms of the house, and it would appear the greater the risk the greater was the charm to him.
Placing his half-filled bag on one of the desks in the schoolroom, he crept softly upstairs.
Not a sound, save from his own movements, broke the stillness of the night.