easily enough. He forced the lock of my secretaire, and

ransacked all the drawers. Fortunately, I had only a

few pounds there, so the burglar had not a very large haul,

and I have no doubt was greatly disappointed. When Maria got

down in the morning she found my books and papers strewed all

over the place, but nothing had been taken except the money.

I only wish I had caught the thief at work; but what he did

must have been done very quietly, as no one heard a sound

in the night."

"There is little doubt in my mind but that the burglar was that