It was this, perhaps, that broke the bonds of sleep. At any rate, he found himself almost in an instant broad awake, with his eyes resting on a figure, clearly seen in the moonlight, standing beside Nicholas Bundy's bed examining the pockets of his coat and pantaloons, which rested on a chair close beside.
Immediately all his senses were on the alert. In one swift glance he saw all. The figure was that of Denton, and an opening in the panelbetween the two rooms showed how he had got in. It was clear that this was a decoy house, especially intended to admit of such nefarious deeds.
Denton's back was turned to Oliver, and he was quite unaware, therefore, that the boy had awakened. Bundy lay before him in profound sleep, and from a careless glance he had concluded that the boy also was asleep.
"Now," thought Oliver, "what shall I do? Shall I shoot at once?"
This course was repugnant to him. He had a horror of shedding blood unless it were absolutely necessary, but at the same time he was bold and resolute, and by no means willing to lie quietly and see his guardian robbed.
It was certainly a critical moment, and required some courage to face and defy a midnight robber, who might himself be armed. But Oliver was plucky, and didn't shrink.
In a clear, distinct voice he asked:
"What are you doing there?"
Denton wheeled round and saw Oliver sittingup in bed. He had a black mask over his eyes, and thought he was not recognized.
"Confusion!" Oliver heard him mutter, under his breath. "Cover up your head, boy, and don't interfere with me, or I'll murder you!" he said in a low, stern voice.