“A gold piece.”

“Good luck to him, say I. Let us go into some wine-shop and have a bottle. What say you? Surely the house will be safe for half-an-hour.”

So speaking, the two watchmen went into the nearest wine-shop that was open.

Both Bates and Jack had watched them.

“Now’s our time, Bates,” said Jack.

They both disappeared down the dark carriage-way, which was screened by trees and bushes.

A STORMY INTERVIEW.—See Number 20.

They both whistled softly, and the signal was quickly answered.

“All right; the lads are up to their time.”