Gilderoy was nearest, and a blow sent him rolling over; but the constable evaded a second blow, and closed in a fierce struggle, which, taking place at the doorway, prevented the next man from forcing his way through. Mrs Shingle shrieked; but Jessie stood firm, gazing with dilating eyes at her lover, as he wrestled bravely with the policeman, whom he kept between himself and the second man, still covering his brother's flight. They were well matched, and victory might have been on Tom's side but for the action of Dick, who, seeing the second man about to leap on him, thrust out his foot and laid him sprawling. It was unfortunate for Tom, though. The man was so near that he tripped over him, and lay for the moment half-stunned; while now all three rushed into the room and to the open window. "Below there!" cried Gilderoy--"have you seen him?" "No," was the reply. "He came down with a crash, though, into the shrubs here, and I think he's hurt--he hasn't moved since. Come down, and bring a light." Jessie's window looked down upon a great clump of lilacs, into which it seemed that Fred must have jumped; and, running back to the landing, the three men dashed downstairs, through Dick's study, into the conservatory, and thence to the enclosed back garden. As they did so, Fred glided out from behind the window curtains, placed his hand to his lips, and bounded down the staircase, almost into his brother's arms. Tom saw the ruse, seized a coat and hat from the stand, and opened the front door. "Cabstand at the corner," he whispered. "Walk--don't run." Fred went leisurely out, and as Tom closed the door the private inquiry man came back, and placed himself as sentinel to guard the door. The search went on for a few moments outside, and then there was a shout. "They've got him," cried the sentry eagerly. "Got him?" he shouted. "No," cried the constable, running into the hall, hot and panting. "He threw a great ottoman out of the window, and didn't jump. Keep that door; we must search the house." The search began, and it was not until every nook and corner had been hunted over that the men stood looking at one another in the hall. "A pretty mess you've made of this, Mr Gilderoy!" cried the constable, at last. "Two-fifty thrown into the gutter by your bad management," groaned the other. "P'r'aps you'd better go and search all London now," said Hopper, with a sneer, "for he can't be far off." The men turned upon him angrily. "We haven't done yet," said the constable. "We must have some one for this. The law can't be resisted for nothing." "I'm ready to give up," said Tom quietly. "You'll do nothing of the kind," cried Hopper, hastily pushing him away. "Here, you there! don't be fools. Come in here. The man's gone--off by the front door. What have you got to say to that?" "I must have some one," said the constable surlily. "Hey? Have some one?" cried Hopper. "Then have me."