Du Flore explained to the countess how the two youths would enter her house, and then departed.
Along about six o'clock in the evening, a poor-looking old man applied at the door of the house of the countess. He was admitted, and a little later quite a stylish young man also sought an entrance, and a little later still the poor-looking old man and the stylish youth were alone with the countess, who was disposed to ask them a great many questions. The lads were sorely tempted to give the countess a little initiation, but concluded to reserve their didos for the two thieves.
At about eleven o'clock the countess retired to a room on the top floor. She proved very complaisant, doing in all things just as requested, although it was evident that she was a very spirited woman and wondrously handsome, as she was still under thirty.
The two ventriloquists lay around until twelve o'clock, when they entered the bedroom proper of the countess, her vacated room for the occasion, and they went through a very amusing rehearsal with the hound. The lads were both very jubilant, for they were in their element—about to carry out a scheme which was a delight to them.
"The robbers believe they are to have a walk-over," said Jack.
"They will," responded Ike, a twinkle in his eyes; "a walk over to the station house, and then a smooth ride up to Sing Sing Prison."
"Will your man be on hand?"
"If he fails I'll act as his substitute. We are going to capture those robbers, and don't you forget it."
Thus the boys continued to talk until about two o'clock. Both were on the alert, and Ike said:
"We are not to be disappointed, our game is here."