As they turned the handle of the door, the slight click caused the thief to start, and when he saw the policemen he hastily extinguished his light, and flew across the shop. But the policemen rushed after him; there was a few moments' struggle in the dark, as the thief tried to reach a small window at the back, from which he had evidently entered; but the two powerful men held him down and secured him, while David got matches, and lighted a lamp.
"That was a pretty tidy catch," said one of the men; "caught in the very act of stealing. A pretty long sentence you'll get, my man."
Mr. Hadleigh drew nearer to look at the man as they were leading him away, and to his surprise and indignation, saw Norris!
"Is it possible!" he exclaimed. "What can have been your object?"
"Let me off this time, Mr. Hadleigh," he whined; "let me off this time. It will ruin me for life if you put me in prison. Let me go this time."
"A likely thing!" said the policemen, grimly, as they led him out into the street.
When they were gone, Mr. Hadleigh went round the house and shop to see that all was safe, David following with a light; and when everything was secure, they went upstairs again.
"Where have you been?" was Owen's first question. "Do lift up my pillow a bit; my head is so uncomfortable."
David did as he was asked; but he looked so excited that Owen inquired again, "Where have you been?"
"Mr. Hadleigh wanted me down in the shop."