"`You may be sure something will come of this,' replied the other; `and it will be something worth the while too, unless I'm mistaken, for the old gentleman is very rich; see here,' said he, producing some papers from his pocket, `this is what he says.' "He began to read a letter, and you may fancy how I, listening behind the partition, started as I heard it. "`Jack,' it said, `I'm watched and can't come. You and Tom must do it without me. Be you know where by eight on Friday night, and I'll send one I can trust to show you the way and help you through with it. You may rely on him, though he's a queer dog. Here's a map of the grounds of Culverton, but you won't need it, for he I send knows the place well. The steward is on our side, and will leave the back door unlatched. The strong box stands in the study, the second door on the left after you pass the great clock. The old man lies ill, and only two maids are in the house besides. The young puppy is away at Ogilby. Bring what you get to the tower by the river on Saturday night. There are jewels in the desk in the old man's room. He cannot hurt--if he tries he must be quieted--you know how.' "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. "`If that's so, the rider's not far off,' said the other, grimly, taking the lantern and advancing. "It was all I could do to lie motionless, breathing heavily, as the light fell full on my face. "`Ah! found him!' was the exclamation, as both rushed towards me. "I heard the cocking of a pistol close beside me, and was conscious of a rude plucking at my arm. "`Come, get up there! What do you do here? Get up, do you hear?'