The next minute a man carrying a lantern passed in front of Reuben. The lad held his breath, and vainly tried to squeeze himself closer to the wall. Then to his amazement he saw that the man was none other than Nat Savage. For a moment Reuben had the idea that all was right, and he was there on lawful business. But the darkness, the stealth, the haste told another story. It was easy now to explain how they gained admittance to the works. Savage had keys that would open every gate or door on the premises. He was trusted with everything. And this was how he rewarded the confidence placed in him! Following at Savage's heels was the watchdog belonging to the premises. Reuben knew that Savage had trained this dog to do anything he told him. He would not bark if his master bid him be still. But the dog knew Reuben well also, and now, to the lad's dismay, he bounded towards him, giving a low whine of delight. [Illustration: "WE ARE NOT BURGLARS!"] Instantly, Savage turned and flashed the light of his lantern upon Reuben. "You here!" exclaimed the man, his face white with fear, his form trembling visibly. Then, in ungovernable passion, he broke out, "But I'll teach you to spy upon me; I'll give you a lesson." And he raised his hand to strike Reuben. Ere he could do so, his arm was seized by his companion, whom Reuben now recognised as a little old man, with a mean, cunning face, whom he had occasionally seen in the yard talking with Savage. "Gently, gently," whispered this man; "don't make a noise. You forget the old man. Tell him it's all right." Savage took the hint, recovered himself and said more quietly, though his manner still betrayed agitation, "You need not be alarmed, Reuben Roy. We are not burglars. It is all perfectly right, I assure you. Now you have seen who is here, you can go back to your bed. Only remember, please, that I do not wish this talked about. Give me your word that you will say nothing of this to any one." But Reuben was silent. He was by no means satisfied that all was perfectly right, and, though he dreaded Savage's violence, he would not promise to keep silence, when he believed it was his duty to speak of what he had seen. "Why don't you speak?" asked Savage angrily. "Don't you hear me? Promise that you will name this to no one. Come, I am not to be trifled with, I can tell you. Promise to hold your tongue, or it will be the worse for you." "I will not promise," said Reuben bravely, though his voice shook as he spoke. "I am bound to tell Samuel what I have seen. If it is all right, as you say, you need not surely mind his knowing." "You are to tell no one. I warn you, Reuben Roy, that I am in deadly earnest. Breathe a word of this to any one, and it will be the worse for you. Now, will you promise?"