"'I am infinitely obliged to you,' said our reporter, 'We'll keep the matter to ourselves at present, and if there's any reward offered for the recovery of the body, or for any information that may lead to its recovery, it shall be yours, Sophy, every farthing of it.' "Sophy's eyes glistened as she said, 'If they arsks me, then, why I adn't spoke before, I'll tell 'em I was too frightened by wot the burguler sed he'd do to me if I sed anythink about it.' "'That excuse will do nicely. Did you hear the sound of many feet?' "'I think it was only one man as was moving about,' replied Sophy, after a little consideration. "'How do we account, then, for there being more than one man concerned in this singular robbery?' "'Per'aps there wasn't more than one,' suggested Sophy quickly, 'and in course he 'ad to carry the body. It couldn't walk of itself, being dead.' "'Quite so, my young logician--a compliment Sophy. Before you put up the chain, did you look out into the street?' "'I didn't dare to.' "'Then you don't know if there was a cab or a cart waiting at the door?' "'I don't, sir.' "'Did you hear the sound of wheels moving away after the door was secured?' "'No, I didn't. Everythink was as still as still can be, inside and out.' "'There must have been a vehicle of some sort, however, stationed near. A man couldn't carry a dead body through the streets very far without being caught. Perhaps he would not allow it to stand too near your aunt's house for fear of suspicion being excited. The natural conclusion is that a growler was engaged, and that it walked slowly to and fro in a given direction till he came up to it.' "'That must 'ave been it, sir.' "'If I give you five shillings, Sophy, can you take care of it?' "'Rather! But you've done enough for me to-night, sir.' "'Not half enough, my girl. Here's the money.' "From the expression on Sophy's face she would have liked to resist the temptation, but it was too strong for her, so she took the two half-crowns, saying gleefully as she tied them in her money-box, I shall soon 'ave enough to buy wot I want.' "'What is it you desire so particularly, Sophy? A new frock?' "'No,' she replied. 'I want a pair of tights.' "'In heaven's name, what for?' "'To see 'ow I look in 'em.' Sophy glanced down at her legs, then stood straight up and walked a few steps this way and a few steps that, in glowing anticipation of the delights in store for her. "'You would like to be an actress, Sophy?' "'Wouldn't I? Jest! I can do a lot of steps, sir. Would you like to see me dance?' "'Not to-night, Sophy,' said our reporter, thinking of the proprieties; 'I haven't time, and you had best get back as quick as you can to your aunt. I'll see you part of the way. I don't know what excuse you will give her for being absent so long.' "'Let me alone for that. It ain't the fust time, and won't be the last.' "'Well, come along, my girl.'