“That confounded combination!” exclaimed James in disgust, as he turned over to look at Henry; he caught his breath in surprise.
Slowly, slowly Henry arose, his lips moving rapidly, as a child repeats its lesson to impress it upon his mind. His eyes were widely opened, but with a curious introverted look; he stepped slowly forward, a look of concentration on his ghastly features; he walked to the center of the room exactly where he had before stood; there he paused as though listening: “Aunt Hattie! Aunt Hattie!” he called clearly and distinctly; although the tone was very low, as one speaks who is desirous of being heard by none save the person addressed.
James jumped out of bed, bringing his hands together softly. “I wonder if it is possible!” he cried, quivering with excitement; he hurried on his clothes and fairly flew down the stairs, and let himself into Aunt Hattie’s house.
As he passed the sitting room he cautiously pushed aside the portières. Aunt Hattie was on her knees before the safe, repeating the combination in almost exactly the tone in which Henry had spoken. James dashed up the stairs and knocked softly at Marjy’s door.
“Who’s there?” she called in a frightened tone.
“It’s I, James; open the door, Marjy; do not be frightened, but hurry!” Marjy opened the door as requested.
“Oh, what is it?” her voice trembling.
“Nothing which need frighten you. I have found the thief, come!”
Marjy had not disrobed, but was lying on the bed reading, and immediately followed him. He hastily whispered an explanation as they hurried down the stairs; in conclusion he said: “Now, I want you to watch auntie, and see just what she does; I will go back and watch Henry’s movements; he appears like a sleep walker, and auntie seems to be hypnotized. It’s a queer performance, take it as you will.”
Marjy was white and trembling; half afraid, and wholly excited. They drew aside the draperies, auntie had all the papers contained in the safe on the floor, and was now rummaging in every corner as though searching for some missing thing; muttering, muttering to herself all the time.