“I was so horrified that for a moment or two I scarcely knew whether I was awake or dreaming. My poor father, not only ill, but in peril of robbery, and perhaps murder! And I, what could I do? My impulse was to spring from my retreat and make one desperate effort to overpower the villains. But I was too weak to do it. Besides I was unarmed, whereas they had each his pistol. What could I do?
“The man who had read the letter carefully put it, along with the rough map of the Culverton grounds, into the fire, and the two sat and watched the papers as they burned.
“‘He’s a good man of business,’ said Tom.
“‘Middling,’ replied the other; ‘and if he—’
“At that moment my horse gave a sudden start in his sleep. The quick ears of the two villains instantly caught the sound.
“‘Hullo!’ said one in a whisper, ‘what was that?’
“‘Hist!’ said the other, holding up his hand, ‘strike a light, Tom.’
“While Tom obeyed I softly dropped on my hands and knees and crawled back to my old place beside the horse, where I lay motionless, and to all appearance in a profound sleep.
“‘I’m sure I heard something,’ said Tom, holding up the lantern. From where they were they could see nothing but the side of the stall. They therefore crept round stealthily; and as I lay I saw the light suddenly turn on the horse.
“‘A nag, as I’m a Dutchman, and saddled too!’ exclaimed Tom.