Sandy, too, taking a flying leap through the window, joined in the race, echoing the cry with all the strength of his lungs, but with the Scotch accent instead of the Irish brogue.
But the burglar, being younger and fleeter of foot than they, and having the start of them, soon distanced their pursuit; and uncertain which direction he had taken, and bethinking themselves of the defenceless state of those left behind at Lakeside, should accomplices of the fleeing scoundrel be lingering about, they made haste to return.
They found Ronald and the ladies awake and in great anxiety and alarm.
An examination of the parlor at once disclosed the fact that the cupboard door had been opened with a skeleton key and the money taken. Its loss was a great blow to the family, yet the fact that the notes were marked gave them some hope of their final recovery.
“I dinna see ony evidence that the mon had accomplices,” remarked McAllister, when a thorough search of the house had been made.
“The tracks in the snow will settle that question when daylight comes to enable us to see them,” said Ronald.
“Na, na, sir; it’s snowin’ fast the noo, and they’ll be all covered up brawly by that,” responded McAllister.
“Then take a lantern and look for them at once,” Miriam said, speaking with energy and decision.
“An’ so we wull! Sure, thin, the young misthress is the smartest o’ the lot o’ us all!” cried Barney, seizing a light and leading the way, McAllister following.
“Well?” Ronald asked, in an excited tone, as they re-entered the room.