"Approach me, and I will blow your brains out," cried Montague, pointing his pistol at the Cracksman.
Scarcely were these words uttered, when the burglar darted forward, dashed the lamp from the hands of Montague, and effected his escape by the window.
Montague rushed to the casement, and snapped the pistol after him: the weapon only flashed in the pan.
Montague closed the window and fastened the shutters. He then called Walter by name; and, receiving no answer, groped his way in the dark towards the door.
His feet encountered an obstacle upon the carpet: he stooped down and felt with his hands;—Walter Sydney had fainted.
Scarcely two minutes had elapsed since Montague had entered the room; for the confusion and flight of the burglars had not occupied near so much time to enact as to describe. The entire scene had moreover passed without any noise calculated to disturb the household.
There were consequently no servants at hand to afford Walter the succour which he required.
For a moment Montague hesitated what course to pursue; but, after one instant's reflection, he took her in his arms, and carried her up into her own enchanting and delicious boudoir.
CHAPTER XXI.
ATROCITY.
GEORGE Montague placed his precious burden upon the bed, and for a moment contemplated her pale but beautiful countenance with mingled feelings of admiration, interest, and desire. The lips were apart, and two rows of pearl glittered beneath. The luxuriant light chesnut hair rolled over his arm, on which he still supported that head of perfect loveliness: his hand thus played with those silken, shining tresses.