‘And don’t make a bungling job of it while you are about it. If you have to do it all, do it with humanity—that is to say, do it at once and effectually.’ ‘Oh, yes; trust me for that, captain.’ The lady was now really alarmed. Ben took from his pocket a large clasped knife, the blade of which he opened in a ferocious kind of way with his teeth, and with that in his hand, he kept an eye upon her. Blodget now sprang upon the bed, and tearing down some of the hangings from the back part of it, he saw a small square door in the wall. It was not fastened. No doubt the secrecy of the position of that receptacle for valuables was much more relied upon by the lady than any sort of lock or fastening. The fact was, that when once it was found out that that was the hiding place for the valuable property that could be put in it, the security was gone. No lock or bolt could for many moments have added to it in any shape or way. Blodget saw at once when he pulled open the door that he had received correct information. Immediately within the little square door were some shelves built in the thickness of the wall, and upon them a heap of property of a valuable and portable nature. Bracelets—rings—necklaces—watches—spoons—gold quartz—and jewellery of all descriptions, met the gaze of the robber as he glanced upon the shelves. ‘All right,’ said he. The lady was a bold woman, and she had kept her eye upon Blodget, and when she heard him say ‘All right,’ the thought that he had discovered all her most valuable property drove her to an act of defiance. ‘Thieves!’ she said, and she raised a loud scream. ‘Kill her!’ said Blodget. Ben had sprung to his feet, and made for the door of the room, although he had his knife in his hand. The fact is, this fellow wanted the nerve to be a murderer when any one resisted at all. He might have been an assassin, but he had not the courage to engage in a struggle. ‘Kill her, I say!’ cried Blodget. ‘No, no!’ said the lady, and springing to her feet, she with a rush made her way into the servant’s room; and slammed the door shut in Blodget’s face. ‘Curses on her! you have let her escape.’ ‘I could not help it,’ said Ben. ‘Here, there is no time to be lost now—she will rouse the neighborhood. Take this pillow-case, which I have filled with the swag. We must be content with it. I will see to her and be with you in a moment.’ ‘Yes—yes, I will go—’ ‘No further than the head of the stairs, though.’ ‘No—no.’ Blodget made a rush at the door of the room into which she had retreated; but it was too strong for him, and by great good fortune there had chanced to be some very effectual mode of fastening it on the inside. Blodget heard a lumbering noise in the room, that he could not make out. He called aloud,—‘No harm is intended you, and I will compromise the matter with you, if you will be quiet.’ Something rolled upon the floor, and then hit the door a great knock that shook it.