CHAPTER XVII.
TRAPPED.
It was close upon midnight when Marlowe and Jack approached the house in Madison avenue. There was one thing connected with the position of the house, not before mentioned, which favored their attempt. It was a corner house, and in the rear a high wall separated the area from the street. The two confederates judged that this would be the most feasible way of entrance.
"Boost me up, Marlowe, first," said Jack Morgan. "You're lighter'n me, and can get up alone. I'm fat and clumsy, and I couldn't 'go it alone'
to save my neck."
"All right, Jack. Are you ready?"
"Yes. Shove away."
Jack, raised by his companion, got firm hold of the top of the wall, and by an effort clambered over.
"I'm over, all right," he said, in a low voice. "Get over yourself."
Marlowe looked cautiously up and down the street, till he was satisfied no policeman was in sight, then, making a leap, seized the wall, and, by the exercise of his strength, drew himself up, and then, of course, easily descended into the area.
"Here we are," said Jack, in a tone of satisfaction. "Now for work."
"The lights are all out," said Marlowe, softly. "I hope they are all asleep."
"It's likely they are."
"Did Julius say whether any of them slept in the basement?"
"He didn't find out."
"Well, we must risk it. We'll reconnoiter a little and see what's the best way to get in."
At length it was decided that a particular window afforded the easiest ingress. Of course it was fastened inside; but they were not novices, and this presented not the slightest difficulty to their practiced hands. With an instrument pointed with a diamond, they cut out the pane of glass just beneath, and, thrusting in a hand, Marlowe turned back the fastening. Then the window was softly raised, and both entered.
They were now in the kitchen. It was dangerous to grope about in the dark, for some article of furniture might be overturned, and that would probably create an alarm which would be fatal to their plans.
The first thing, therefore, was to strike a light.
They had a dark lantern with them, and this was speedily lighted. Then both removed their shoes, and one after the other filed into the entry.
"Take care, Jack," said Marlowe. "The woman may be sleeping in the front basement, and might hear you if you make the least noise."
"Suppose she does?"
"We must gag her. If it's the boy, I'll dispose of him pretty quick."
All was still as death. Neither had the slightest idea that their plan was known, and that preparations of a most unwelcome character had been made for their reception--that, in fact, they had ventured into a trap. But on the previous evening Paul had called at the nearest police station, and, communicating what he knew in regard to the intended attack, had asked for a guard. One of the force had been instructed to go back with him and carefully examine the house, the better to provide, not only for defense, but for the capture of the burglars.
"They will enter through the back area window," said the officer at once. "Where do you sleep?"
"My mother and little brother sleep in the front basement. I sleep upstairs."
"The basement must be left vacant."
"Certainly. I wouldn't trust mother and Jimmy there such a night."
"You had better all go upstairs--to the upper floor, if you like--and we will conceal ourselves on the second floor."
"We will do as you think best. I will stay with you."
"No, Paul," said Mrs. Hoffman, terrified.
"I can't think of your exposing yourself to so much danger."
"I'm not afraid, mother. I think it is my duty."
"You can do no good," said the officer. "There will be enough of us to take care of them."
With some reluctance Paul gave up his plan. He was bold and courageous, and, like most boys of his age, he was fond of adventure.
An encounter with burglars promised no little excitement, and he wanted to be present, and have his share in it. But when he saw how uneasy and alarmed his mother was, he yielded his desire, as I am sure you, my boy reader, would have done in his place, even had your wish been as strong as his.
Jimmy was now fast asleep; but neither Mrs. Hoffman nor Paul could so readily compose themselves to slumber under the circumstances. They were standing at the head of the attic stairs, listening intently for the slightest sound from below which might indicate the arrival of the expected visitors. At length they heard a pistol shot, then a shriek, then confused noises of feet and voices, and they knew that the encounter had taken place. We must go back and explain what had happened. Carrying their shoes in their hands, the two burglars crept up the basement stairs. Their hopes were high. Their entrance had not yet been observed, and even if it were, they were two strong men against a woman and two boys, the oldest only half-grown. There seemed nothing to fear.
"Now for the safe," said Marlowe. "It's somewhere on the second floor."
"The door of the room may be locked."
"Then it'll take us longer, that's all."
But the door was not locked, and the safe was in the front room on the second floor. In the back room the police were concealed, and were listening intently to the movements of the burglars. Should the latter discover them they were ready for an immediate attack, but they hoped the visitors would get to work first. In this hope they were gratified.
By chance the two confederates entered the front room first.
"Here's the safe, Marlowe," whispered Jack, in tones of satisfaction.
"Now, if luck's on our side, we'll make a raise."
"You talk too much," cautioned his companion. "Work first, and talk afterward."
They approached the safe, and Jack kneeled down before it and prepared to effect an entrance. Marlowe was about to follow his example, when his ear, made acute by necessity, distinguished a footstep outside.
"Jack," said he in a sharp whisper, "I hear a step outside."
Instantly Jack Morgan was on his feet.
"Do you think we are heard?"
"Perhaps so. If we are we must secure ourselves. It may be the boy. If it is, we'll quiet him pretty quickly."
They never dreamed of any opposition which they would be unable to withstand. Paul was, of course, no match for them, and as to Mrs.