“Don’t know yet,” said the sergeant. “But the plate’s right, you say?”
“Yes; all but the things in the dining-room.”
“They’re safe too. We found the front door open. Now then, who sleeps down here?”
“Under-butler, footman, and page,” said the butler quickly; and taking a chamber candlestick, he led the way to a smaller pantry where the light showed a red-faced boy fast asleep with his mouth open.
“Where are the men?” said the sergeant laconically; and the butler led the way to a closed door, which opened into a long stone-paved hall, in the two recesses of which were a couple of turned-up bedsteads, in each of which was a sleeping man, one of whom jumped up, however, as the light fell upon his eyes.
“Get up, James,” said the butler. “Have either of you fellows been up to any games?”
“No, sir. We came to bed before you,” was the reply.
“You’d better get up,” said the butler.
Then following the sergeant the basement was searched, and they reascended to the hall.
“I’ve been all about here,” said the sergeant quietly. “They must have meant the jewels and things up-stairs. Next thing is to go up and wake your guv’ner.”