"Depend upon it, the villains mean to fire the store and destroy all the goods that we have purchased at such a large expense. But we will be ready for them."
He drew his revolver from his belt and examined carefully each barrel, and then saw that the caps were fresh and fitted well.
"In that they shall be disappointed," Murden exclaimed; "I will go to the police quarters at once and state the facts of the case. A dozen men shall be detailed to guard your store, day and night, until all danger is past."
The impetuous officer, filled with this idea, would have rushed instantly to the inspector's; and before Fred could stop him he had got into the street.
"Come here for a moment," cried Fred, in a quiet tone, and Murden doggedly consented.
The instant that he was in the store Fred closed the door and locked it, and put the key in his pocket.
"What is it you wish!" asked the lieutenant, after a moment's silence, surprised at the act.
"I wish you to hear a little reason, and not ruin us with your good intentions," my friend answered, quietly.
Murden looked astonished, but made no reply. He refilled his pipe and lighted it in silence. At length he asked,—
"What do you mean by saying that I shall ruin you with my intentions? Do you think that I do not feel very keenly the situation in which my own thoughtlessness has placed you?"