"But what was the use of all these preliminaries at the store? I scarcely understand." "Oh, you're a little springy as yet; after to-night you'll understand more about these things. Clinton will explain everything when we get there. Now, if you're ready, come along." They went out together, Arthur first swallowing several glasses of wine, for the purpose, as he said, of keeping his spirits up. The walk to Clinton's house was a long one, and on such a fierce night as this, particularly disagreeable; swollen gutters, slipping pavements, and deluged streets, rendering it next to impossible to keep one's footing. Arriving, at last, at the door of a small but neat domicile, Quirk rapped, and they were admitted by a small black girl, who showed them into a pleasant little apartment, lighted cheerfully, prettily furnished, and tastefully arranged. A table stood in the centre of the apartment, and Clinton was sitting by it when they entered, reading to a young and pretty woman, who was busily engaged with her needle, and rocking a cradle, containing an infant son, with her foot. She rose gracefully as Clinton introduced her as his wife, and received his friends with ease and dignity. Arthur felt not a little astonished to find Clinton a husband and a father, and told him as much. He blushed slightly, and replied that every one knew these facts that knew him well, and laughingly advised Arthur if he wished to be happy to become one too. Mrs. Clinton then rose, and going to the sideboard, set out wine for the guests, and Arthur observed that it was served on a silver salver and in cut crystal--articles scarcely corresponding with the small house, and very pretty, but plain furniture. "Is the back room lighted?" said Clinton to his wife. "No, but it shall be, if you wish it." "I do. My friends have a little business to transact with me." Arthur noticed that when Clinton said this, his wife looked at him very penetratingly, as if she would read his thoughts, but turned away re-assured by the bright smile he gave her, and lighted the room. "Now," said Clinton, when they were alone, "let's at once to business. I had intended this night only for planning; but we must plan and work both, to-night, for we may not have such another storm in a month. You've good pluck, eh, Pratt?" "Same as ever." "Good. You got my note and fixed the wine, Quirk?" "Just so." "And you are sure you're ready, Pratt, to help to carry out the plan I've laid for you?" "Ready for anything short of murder." "All right, then, there's no murder in the case, only a nice little game of lock-picking and so on. No backing out now, and beforehand we must all take this oath: that if any one of us is nabbed, and should by any chance suffer the penalty of the law, he shall not implicate any of the others." "That's fair," said Quirk; "all stand the same chance." The oath was administered, and each one laid his hand upon the Holy Book, saying: "I swear," "I swear," "I swear."