open; and the light from it served to guide him across the strange hall, and up the stairs, until he reached the doorway, and could look in.  The chamber had a low and sloping ceiling, and a gable-window in the roof, which was defended by strong bars.  Near this window was an open cabinet, containing many little drawers and divisions, all of which were filled with papers; while upon a leaf in the front there lay rolls of bank notes, and heaps of golden money, which the master had been counting over.  He stood beside his cabinet as if he had just risen from this occupation, and was leaning upon his chair, panic-stricken at the tidings Miss Anne had uttered.  His grey hair was scattered over his forehead, instead of being smoothly brushed back; and the long, loose coat, which hung carelessly around his shrivelled form and stooping shoulders, made him look far older than he did in the day-time.  As Stephen’s eyes rested upon the sunken form and quaking limbs of the aged man, he felt, for the first time, how helpless and infirm his enemy was, instead of the rich, full, and prospering master he had always considered him.

‘Keep off!’ cried the old miser, as he caught sight of Stephen on the threshold; and he raised his withered arm as if to ward him from his treasures.  ’Keep off!  Stephen Fern, is it you?  You’ve come to take your revenge.  The robbers and murderers have got in!  O God, have pity upon me!’

‘I’m come to take care of Miss Anne,’ said Stephen, ’They’ve not got in yet, master.  And, please God, help will be here afore long with Martha.  The doors and windows are safe.’

‘Anne, take him away!’ implored Mr. Wyley.  ’I don’t know if it is true, but take him away.  I’m not safe while he’s there; they will murder me!  Go, go!’

Miss Anne led Stephen away; and no sooner were they outside the room, than the master rushed forward and locked and barred the door securely behind them.  There was a window in the landing, looking over the yard where the housebreakers were, and they stood at it in silence, straining their eyes into the darkness.  But it did not remain dark long; for a thin, bright flame burst up from behind the dairy wall, and by its fitful blaze they could see the figures of four men coming rapidly round from that corner of the old building.

‘Fire! fire!’ they shouted, in wild voices of alarm, and beating the iron-studded door with heavy sticks.  ’Wake up, master! wake up! the house is on fire!’

Their only answer was a frantic scream from the servant, who thrust her head out of her window, and echoed their shouts with piercing cries.  But Stephen and Miss Anne did not move; only Miss Anne laid her hand upon his arm, and he felt how much she trembled.

‘They’re only trying to frighten us,’ he said quietly; ’that’s only the wood-stack on fire.  They think to frighten us to open the door, by making believe that the house is on fire.  Miss Anne, I’m praying to God all the while to send Martha in time.’