I had been sleeping for about an hour, when I was suddenly awakened with a start. In the passage outside I heard the voices of the youngest Silver boy and of Peter.
"Peter, old chap," said Johnny Silver, "I believe there's burglars in the house. Isn't it a lark?"
"Ripping," said Peter. "Have you told your people?"
"Oh, it's no use waking the governor and the mater; we'll do the job ourselves. I told the girls, and they've all locked themselves in and got under their beds, so they're safe. Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"Come on then."
With that they went along the passage and down the stairs. My mind was made up, and my trousers and boots were on in less time than it takes to tell it. I went to Holes's room and entered. He was lying on his bed, fully awake, dressed in his best detective suit, with his fingers meditatively extended, and touching one another.
"They're here," I said.
"Who?"
"The burglars."