“There—that’s not much of a jump.”
“No, no,” said Gray. “I could do that.”
The distance was scarcely more than a long step from parapet to parapet.
The robber now slackened out some of the rope in order that by suddenly jumping across the chasm he might not drag Gray from the slight standing he had. Then, with the remainder of the rope on his arm, he sprung across and alighted in safety in the gutter of the opposite house.
“Jump now,” he said to Gray.
The distance was too insignificant to give occasion for fear, but still Gray barely cleared it, and fell in the drain where the housebreaker was standing.
“Well,” said the latter, “of all the awkward hands at business that ever I saw you are the most awkward. It’s well for you there’s somebody to look after you.”
He then undid a fastening on the outside of the attic window, and at once jumped into the room, whither he was followed by Gray.
“You remain here,” he then said. “Don’t stir for your life, while I go down stairs to speak to Bill.”
“You will not keep me here long?” said Gray.