"You might write a letter to them, telling them you knew all about their plan and you would have them arrested if they came."
"I don't think, mother," said Paul, laughing, "that that would be the best course. I want to get them here and catch them. Then they can be shut up, and we shall be safe from any further attempts. I am going to police headquarters, and they will tell me what to do. Probably two or three officers will be concealed in the house, and when the burglars are fairly in will arrest them."
"You needn't stay, Paul."
"It is my duty, mother. We are left by Mr. Talbot in charge of the house and what it contains. Some of us ought to be here at such a time. I will take care not to get into danger."
Mrs. Hoffman was a woman and a mother, and it was with difficulty that Paul could convince her that it was his duty to remain. At length, however, she acquiesced, and agreed to go and see Mrs. Norton the next day and ask permission to remain with her on Monday night.
The next day Julius came to Paul's stand.
"Is there any news, Julius?" asked Paul.
"Nothin' much," said Julius. "Jack wants me to call up to your house and find out where the gold is kept."
"How does he think you are going to do it without my suspecting?"
"He told me to go up and ask for some old clothes. Then, if you didn't let me into the house, I was to ask for something to eat."