He lifted the window softly and entered the room. In order to deaden the sound of his steps he had taken off his shoes and placed them on the ground beside the foot of the ladder.
Having entered the room, he strode softly to the chair over which Walter had thrown his clothes and began to feel in the pockets of his pantaloons. There was a purse in one of the pockets which contained a few small silver coins, but it is needless to say that Walter had disposed of his stock of bank bills elsewhere. He felt that prevention of robbery was better than the recovery of the goods stolen.
Meanwhile, Manning, whose hearing was keen, was made aware through it that the burglar had entered the room. He opened the door of the closet and, walking into the center of the apartment, placed himself, revolver in hand, in front of the window.
Though his motions were gentle, the outlaw's ears were quick. He turned swiftly, and with a look of dismay realized that he had walked into a trap. He had not felt afraid to encounter a boy of eighteen, but here was a resolute man, who had the advantage of being armed, and well armed.
Dick Ranney surveyed him for a minute in silence, but was very busily thinking what were his chances of escape.
“Well,” said Manning, “we meet again!”
“Again?” repeated Ranney, in a questioning tone.
“Yes. When we last met, you had the drop on me and relieved me of my wallet. To-night I have the drop on you.”
Dick Ranney paused for reflection.
“That's so,” he said. “Do you want your wallet back?”