"No; I couldn't hear, but it stands to reason that he's sold us." "What do you want me to do?" "Nothing yet. The boy don't know that we have changed our plans. He thinks we trust him. Let him think so, and when we get ready to go out Saturday night, we'll tie him hand and foot, so he can't stir. Then we'll go up to the house and take 'em unprepared." "All right," said Jack. "Your head's longer than mine, Marlowe. You know best." "Of course I do," said Marlowe. "You've got the strength and I've got the brain." Jack Morgan extended his arms, and watched his muscular development with satisfaction. He was not sensitive about the slight to his understanding. He was content to be thought what he was, a strong and dangerous animal. What preparations were necessary to be made were made during that day and the next by the two confederates. They were made during the absence of Julius, that he might know nothing of what was going on. Further to mislead him, the two spoke two or three times on the previous evening of their expedition of Monday night. Julius fathomed their design, and was sharp enough not to appear particularly interested. So Saturday night came. At six o'clock Julius entered the room and found the two seated together. He had had half a mind not to appear at all, but to cut loose from them forever; but this would lead to suspicion, and he changed his mind. Though he had not seen Paul since, he had reason to believe that he had made preparations to receive the two burglars. In all probability they would be arrested, and this would be their last meeting. "How are you, Jack?" he said, as he entered the room, with a little qualm at the thought that this man, bad as he was, was so near falling into the hands of justice, and by his means. Jack looked at him, but did not answer. His expression was menacing, as Julius perceived, and his heart beat more quickly, as he thought, "Has he found out anything?" But luckily for him neither Jack nor Marlowe knew anything definite. Had it been so, the boy's life would have been in peril. "Have you seen young Hoffman to-day?" asked Marlowe. "No." "He don't know we're going to call Monday night, does he?" "No," said Julius, and he answered truly. "Where could he find out?" "You might say something to let him know." "What would make me do that?" said Julius boldly. "You might think he'd pay you for telling him." "He ain't rich," said Julius. "Do you know what I'd do to you if I found out as you'd sold us," here broke in Jack Morgan, his dull eyes gleaming fiercely. "I'd kill you." "What makes you say that to me, Jack?" said Julius, not showing the fear he felt. "Oh, it ain't nothin' to you, then?" "No, it isn't."