“What burglar?” cried the policemen, in a chorus.
“The one in the dining-room!”
Mr. Newton rapidly explained what had happened. One of the officers took a closer look at the reporter.
“I know him!” the bluecoat exclaimed. “He’s on the Leader. Come on, boys, let’s get the burglar!”
The officers, thinking there would be a chance to distinguish themselves, went up the steps of the house, the woman having called to them that she would come down, and open the door. When the policemen got inside they made a careful search all over the premises, but could find no burglar.
“I’m sure I heard one!” the woman insisted.
“You mean you heard a noise,” corrected one of the policemen.
“Well, it was just the kind of a noise a burglar would make.”
Just then there came a series of thumps from the hall.
“There it is again!” cried the woman. “There’s the burglar!”