“‘You fool,’ said the second man, ‘don’t you see that the game is up, and we will have the household down on us in a moment?’
“They evidently had not informed themselves of the strength, or, rather, weakness, of the household. I can hear old man Peters chuckle now as he told me of the incident.
“‘If you hadn’t interfered the old man would have been a dead one now, and we could have lifted the stuff without a kick,’ said Dan, in deep disgust. He glanced scornfully at the figure on the bed, but started back in dismay.
“Mr. Peters, lying flat on his back with a grin on his drawn face, had the man covered with a revolver, which he also kept under his pillow.
“‘We will dispense with your company,’ he said to Dan. ‘By the window, if you please, so as not to arouse the household. And you,’ he said to the other, ‘will remain.’
“Dan lost no time in making his escape, while the other man sat nonchalantly down on the edge of the bed and lighted a cigarette.
“‘Well, Mr. Peters, what can I do for you—call the servants?’ he asked coolly, as he looked down the barrel of the gun.
“‘Close the window,’ chuckled Mr. Peters; ‘it is chilly here.’
“The man calmly did as directed, and then turned again to the old man, who lowered his pistol as he said:
“‘You seem to have some scruples against murder.’