Year: 1865

was gently raised, and again all was quiet
The noise of heavy vehicle passing the house
seemed to afford an opportunity for a more
decided effort; for, while the rattle of the
the wheels was loudest, crack sounded from
the shutter, and We could hear that the bolt
was forced, for the shutter was gently moved.


Don't stir till do, and hold your breath
if possible. whispered my friend in my ear


I found the latter difficult to request to
comply with for my heart was beating with
rapdity, and thumped against my ribs in the
most excited way; still I stood quiet and
trusted to my friend.


Nothing could be more cautious than the
proceedings of the robbers. The shutters was
pushed back in the most slow and steady man.
ner: bad there been even bell fastened to il
| doubt whether it would have been made to
ring At intervals there was n rest from
work, evidently for the purpose of listening,
and then one of the robbers placed his leg
across the window sill, and lightly descended
into the pantry. . '


The night, even out of doors, was very
dark, and in the corner where we stood it was
as black as Erebus. Our forms, therefore,
was quite undistinguisnable, and the only
chance of discovering US whas by touching or
hearing us.


The first burglar was soon followed by Sec
ond, whilst we could hear that a third, who
was outside, was to remain there on watch.


Now let's light up" said number two"


Not yet, till you push the shutter to, .
replied the other, "or the gim'll be seen
then you come and hold the box


The shutter was quietly pushed to, and
both robbers moved away n few PAGES from
the window by which they had entered. BY
the quiet way in which they walked, it was
evident that they were either without shoes or
had on Indian-rubber coverings. OF their
size or weapons, We would see nothing: and
| began to doubt whether our position was an
agreeable one, as was armed only with a
sword--a weapon, however, knew how to
use whilst of my friends means of offence or
defence knew nothing.


| had not long to wait for lucifcr was
soon struck by one of the men Immediately
and the room consequently lighted up. AT
the same instant my friend drew up the slide
of the dark lantern, and flashed the light on
on the faces of the two men, at the same time
| Il Al, la Of ravnlvnr fal n
wards them.
d" If either Of you move. I'll put couple Of
bullets in him." said my friend, as he placed
his back against the window by which the
men entered. "Now drop that crow-bar, u
he continued in voice of authority; "down
with it : and you" he said to me, pull open
the shutter and shout for the police"
The idea that is usually entertained of a
a burglar is, that he is man of great sizes
strength, and daring, that he would anmulatc
any moderate man. When, then, the light
revealed the faces and forms of the men we
had captured, our humble self althoug no great
pugilist, yet felt able to defeat either of them
if it came to a matter of fits; and I must own
that the pale and astonishod faces of the mcu
were not indicative of any very great cour-
age.


Our shout for police was shortly answered
and the burglars having becn subducd by the
sight of the revolver, the muzzle of which
pointed first at one, then at the other, were
captured by the police, three of whom were
speedily on the spot, and conveyed to the lock
up whilst we and a detective who had been
brought down from London some days previ.
ously examined the details by which the men
had effected and entrance.


"You were very lucky to hear them. es
pecially on such night" said the detective


"Whcn once they're in, they move like
mice. We know them; and expect they'll
get seven years"


The man was about correct, for one, the
older offender, was sentenced to six and th'
other to five years penal servitude.


1T will, suppose, be of no use trying
sleep again tonight, for it is three o'clock,
sulu my iTicHu.


"I cannot Sleep" was the reply; and
am dying to hear how you found out tha
these men were approaching the house."


Being then, of one mind, we partly robbet
ourselves, lighted fire in the Kitchen ant
soon being provided with cigars, and grog
got very comfortable, and satisfied with ou
work. My friend then began his account
which he gave much in the following words


1.-THE burglar, as I told you, has usually
the advantage of surprise. He can select th
time at which he makes the attack and if hi
proceedings are carried on cautiously; he en-
ters house before he is heard. Few mel
would, however, venture to do so, unlcs
they previously had good information as to th
interior arrangements of the house, this the
obtain either from servants, tradesmen or som
one who visits the locality; or they com
themselves as tramps, or with some triHc I
sell. Thus, if there are bells attached I
doors or windows. they find it out; and the
know tolerably we'll the domestic arrangt
ments of the locality thew purnose tryinp the