"In the closet."
"Then get them, and don't waste any time about it."
"Don't do anything of the sort, Abel!" said Gerald. "This man shall not rob you!"
"Why, you impudent young rascal!" exclaimed the intruder, fiercely. "I have a great mind to wring your neck!"
"I tell you once more to leave the house!"
This was too much for the irascible burglar. He seized Gerald, and, throwing him down, pressed his knee on his breast. Gerald struggled as well as he could, but he was only a boy, and his assailant was a strong man. What harm would have been done to him cannot be known. Abel, so far from helping him, stood by, trembling. Finally, in a paroxysm of fear, he ran from the room and locked himself in the small room which had been occupied by Gerald.
"Now what shall I do to you?" demanded the burglar between his closed teeth, glaring at his prostrate victim.
Gerald was not called upon to reply, for there was help at hand.
A tall, muscular figure, arrayed in night-costume, suddenly dashed into the room, seized the triumphant burglar, and, pulling him back with irresistible strength, threw him upon the floor with such force that he thought his back was broken.
"What——!" ejaculated the ruffian, in mingled surprise and dismay.