One of the men, the fellow nearest him, felt something like a piece of ice pressed against his left temple. He put up his hand. The investigation did not afford him any particular pleasure, for what he touched sent a shiver through his whole frame. It was a cold revolver. “Move a hand or a foot and you are a dead man. And you also,” to the other fellow. The board had just come off in this latter chap’s arms, and light from the house poured through the opening in a stream that was strong enough to show him the situation. He dared not drop the board, and he was also prevented from attacking the unknown. Eric was master of the situation. “Now see here, men, listen to me.” “Go ahead!” growled one. “In mercy’s name don’t press that trigger,” groaned the other. Darrell had to smile at the sudden termination to which circumstances had brought the bold raid of the two sneak thieves. They had come after plunder, but found something more awaiting them. The little scheme, concocted on the spur of the moment, had been driven into obscurity. “I am a detective, watching this house.” Both men groaned. “Fools we was.” “And although I’m going to let you go this time, if I see either of you here again you’ll make a bee-line for the Tombs.” “Don’t worry, mister—if we get off this time we’ll make ourselves scarce. It gives me a chill to think of Sing Sing.” “You ought to get the chill before you start on such an expedition, and not after you are caught. You know that when ‘the devil was sick, the devil a monk would be; but when the devil got well, the devil a monk was he’.” “Kin we go, mister?” “Yes—pass out the front door, gentlemen, just as you came in. And, remember, once goes a long way with me—if you show up here again, down you go to Centre Street.” “Thank ye, boss.” The men crept quickly away—indeed, their haste was really ludicrous, for they seemed to have a deep-rooted fear lest he might be tempted to change his mind. But under the circumstances Eric was quite satisfied to see them safely off the premises. His other work would take up his attention, and he could not expect to amuse himself with such side-shows as these. He once more made his way to the street. As before a little knot of curious people stood in front of the house gazing in. The glimpses they caught of beautiful women and brave men were a revelation to them. It was like looking into Paradise. Otherwise the street was quiet. A train boomed past on the elevated road below. Eric looked at his watch. It was a quarter past nine. Three-quarters of an hour still remained, and then would come the grand climax. He began to breathe easier, for time was passing, and he felt sure their plans would come out all right. Sauntering to the corner he saw the hack still there as he had left it. The driver was sitting inside now. He knew his orders and only waited for the proper time to arrive. Where was Prescott?