The touch roused him and he asked, "Who is it? you, Lulu?"
"Yes, papa," she panted; "I—I've locked some burglars into the strong room and—"
"You? you have locked them in there?" he exclaimed in astonishment starting up and drawing her into his arms. "Surely, my child, you have been dreaming."
"No, papa, not a bit; I've locked them in there and here's the key," putting it into his hand. "I slammed the door to on them. I shot the bolt too, and I don't think they can get out. But what will we do? Papa, can you get somebody to help you take them to jail?"
"Yes; I shall telephone at once to the sheriff at Union."
"Who is it? What's the matter?" asked Violet waking.
"I can not wait at this moment to explain matters my love," the captain said hastily picking up Lulu and putting her in the place in the bed which he had just vacated. "I must act, leaving Lulu to tell you her story."
With the last word he hurried from the room and the next moment they heard the telephone bell.
CHAPTER XV.
"What is it, Lu?" Violet asked in trepidation. "Oh what is the meaning of those sounds coming from below? Are burglars trying to break in?"