"HE WENT ON MILKING IN A SORT OF HAPPY DREAM."
"It makes me think of old times," said the burglar, smearing his ragged coat-cuff across his eyes; "about the apples in the orchard at home, and the rats at threshing time, and the rabbits and the ferrets, and how pretty it was seeing the pigs killed."
Finding him in this softened mood, Jane said:—
"I wish you'd tell us how you came to choose our house for your burglaring to-night. I'm awfully glad you did. You have been so kind. I don't know what we should have done without you," she added, hastily. "We all love you ever so. Do tell us."
The others added their affectionate entreaties, and at last the burglar said:—
"Well, it's my first job, and I didn't expect to be made so welcome, and that's the truth, young gents and ladies. And I don't know but what it won't be my last. For this 'ere cow, she reminds me of my father, and I know 'ow 'e'd 'ave 'ided me if I'd laid 'ands on a 'apenny as wasn't my own."
"Look here," said Cyril, "these cats are very valuable—very, indeed. And we will give them all to you if only you will take them away."
"I see they're a breedy lot," replied the burglar; "but I don't want no bother with the coppers. Did you come by them honest, now—straight?"
"They are all our very own," said Anthea. "We wanted them; but the confidement——"
"Consignment," whispered Cyril.