Then suddenly he thought he heard a sound in the hall above. He glanced up, and for one instant he had a glimpse of the face of Charlie peering down at him.
“What are you looking at?” asked the child.
“I thought—that is—there's some one with me,” stammered Samuel, forgetting his solemn vow.
“Oh! two burglars!” cried the child in delight. “And may I reform him, too?”
“I think you'd better begin with me,” said Samuel.
“Will he go away, do you think?”
“Yes—I think he's gone now.”
“But you—you won't go yet, will you?” asked the child anxiously. “You'll stay and talk to me?”
“If you wish”—gasped the boy.
“You aren't afraid of me?” she asked.