"Then the place has been rifled," exclaimed the Rector; "and many of the things are hired," he cried piteously. "Everything will be gone! What is to be done?" "Hush, Mr Mallow! we shall alarm the whole house," said Artingale, hastily. "I fancy I saw some one leave the place as we came up. Will you send and see if--if--" He hesitated, for he saw Magnus with a face like ashes, standing holding on by the balustrade. "Yes, yes," exclaimed the Rector. "Speak out, please. Do you mean see if all the servants are at home?" "I don't know--I scarcely know what to say," whispered Artingale, going close up to him. "We want to avoid exposure, sir. Go and knock at Cynthia's door, and send her to see if her sister has been alarmed." "There is no occasion to frighten her. Let the place below be well searched, and the servants examined." Just then Mrs Mallow's voice was heard inquiring what was the matter, and the Rector thrust his head inside the door to tell her that she was not to be alarmed. "Is any one ill?" said a voice just then, which made Artingale thrill, and he ran to the door from which the voice had come. "Dress yourself quickly, Cynthy," he whispered, "and go and tell Julie not to be alarmed. We--we are afraid there has been a burglary." The door closed, and just then the Rector, who had been compelled to go back to his room to quiet Mrs Mallow's fears, came back. "I will speak to the young ladies," he said, looking pale and troubled, and going along the landing, he tapped lightly at Julia's door. "Julia, my dear! Julia!" He tapped again. "Julia, my child! Julia!" Still no answer. He tapped a little louder, a little louder still--but no answer; and Artingale and Magnus exchanged glances. "Dear me, it is most embarrassing. How fast she sleeps," said the Rector, looking round apologetically. "Really, gentlemen, I do not think we ought to disturb her." All the same, urged by a strange feeling of alarm, he tapped again, but still without result; and once more he looked round at the strange group gathered upon the broad landing--the police in great-coats, and lantern-bearing; the butler with his candlestick and pistol; the two gentlemen in evening dress, with their light overcoats and crush hats in hand. Just then a door opened, and every one drew back to allow the pretty little vision that burst upon their sight to pass them by.