Jerry rose to find matches. But the robber did not wait for this. With a bound he leaped to the window. One jump took him through, and a second later a splash in the river outside told how he had escaped.
Ned ran to the casement and fired two shots, not with any intention of hitting the man, but to arouse his friends. In an instant there was confused shouting, lights gleamed in several rooms, and Don Alvarzo came hurrying in.
“What’s the matter? What is it all about? Is any one killed?” he cried.
“Nothing much has happened,” said Ned, as coolly as possible under the circumstances. “A burglar got in the room and got out again.”
“A burglar? A thief? Impossible! In my house-boat? Where did he go? Did he get anything?”
“He got Jerry’s money-belt,” said Ned, “but——”
“A money-belt! Santa Maria! Was there much in it?” and Ned thought he saw a gleam come into the Don’s eyes.
“Oh, he didn’t get it to keep!” went on Jerry. “We both fell asleep, and the fellow robbed Jerry first. I was awakened by feeling Jerry accidentally kick me. I saw the robber take his belt, but when he came for mine I was ready for him. I made him give Jerry’s back——”