The constables ascended the ladder, clambered over the roofs of the houses, but as the reader may readily imagine, they were in no may successful in obtaining sight of the fugitive, who by this time was far away from the scene of action. The policemen were much disconcerted, but were, however, not at all disposed to give up the search without further efforts. They observed the glimmer of the light from the window of the servant girl’s room; the latter had by this time returned to her apartment in the roof, and was preparing for bed when she was startled by a loud rap at the window. “Who’s there, and what do you want?” said she, in breathless accents. “Open the casement――a burglar is in the house. Open at once!” “Don’t be afraid, girl; we belong to the police.” “But I am very much afraid, and that’s the truth,” returned she, unfastening the window and throwing it wide open. “Good kind gentlemen, for the love of mercy tell me what’s the matter?” The constables made no reply, but sprang into the room. The girl drew back in undisguised alarm. “It’s most disgraceful to force an entrance into my bedroom――that’s what it is,” she ejaculated petulantly. “Now, young woman,” said one of the constables. “Answer me truthfully. Have you seen a man making his way over the roof?” “Certainly not, with the exception of you and your companion; you are the only persons I have seen.” “No one has been here.” “Why, goodness me, no. Haven’t I told you so already?” “You’re quite sure of that?” “Quite sure.” The policemen glanced round the apartment, looked under the bed, in the cupboard, and, in short, everywhere they could think of. “Strange!” ejaculated policeman No. 1. “Most remarkable,” returned No. 2. “Where can he be hiding?” “Can’t possibly tell.” Then, turning to the girl, he said, “Hark ye, young woman, a burglary has been committed in the adjoining warehouse; the robber has escaped, and we have reasons for believing that he has sought shelter in this house.” “A burglary!” exclaimed the girl, giving utterance to a loud scream. “What have I done that I should be treated thus?” Having said this she burst into tears. The door of the bedroom was opened, and a tall gentleman, with a thick grey moustache, appeared with a drawn sword in his hand. He had hastily huddled on his clothes, and was swathed in a long dressing-gown. For the rest his countenance was indicative of rage and indignation. He was a retired Indian officer. “What is this noise and altercation about?” cried the half-pay captain, regarding the constables with a malevolent look. “How is this that the sanctity of my private abode is thus violated? Speak! Dost thou hear?” One of the policemen briefly explained the particulars of the attempted burglary, and the remarkable escape of the robber.