Herbert’s heart began to beat rapidly.  He felt that he was taking upon himself a fearful responsibility in shooting this man, as he would probably be obliged to do in self-defense.  But one thing he resolved upon.  He would not take his life.  He would only use such a degree of violence as should be absolutely necessary.  He would even give him a chance by firing the first barrel in the air, in hope of frightening the robber.  If that failed, he must wound him.  There was little time for these thoughts to pass through his mind, for all the while the man was creeping up the ladder.

Herbert had moved a little aside, that he might not be seen.

Soon he perceived, by the indistinct light, the face of the stranger rising above the window-sill.  Next, the window was slowly raised, and he began to make preparations to enter the room.  Then Herbert felt that it was time for him to appear.

Stepping intrepidly to the window, he said:  “I know your purpose.  Unless you go down instantly, I will shoot you.”

There was no tremor in his voice as he said this.  Courage came with the occasion, and his tone was resolute, and self-possessed.

“So you’re awake, are you, my chicken?” was the reply.  “If you know what’s best for yourself, you’ll hand over the old man’s money, and save me the trouble of getting in.”

“Never!” said Herbert, firmly.

“Then I will take it myself, and give you something to remember me by, you little fool!”

He placed his knee on the window-sill, and prepared to jump in.

“One step farther,” said Herbert, resolutely, “and I fire!”

He displayed the pistol, at the sight of which the burglar hesitated.

“Hold on a bit,” said he, pausing.  “I’ll give you some of the plunder, if you’ll put up that shooting iron, and make no trouble.”

“Do you think me a villain, like yourself?” asked Herbert.

“By ——­, you shall repent this,” said the robber, with an oath, and he made another attempt to enter.

Click!

There was a sharp report, but Herbert had fired in the air, and the burglar was unhurt.

“Confusion!” he exclaimed; “that will raise the house!”

Then, espying the carpet-bag, he determined to jump in, seize it, and get away before the people in the house were fairly awake.  As for the pistol, that had been discharged, and he supposed that nothing was to be feared from it.  But he reckoned without his host.  As he put one leg over, and had all but succeeded in getting in, Herbert fired once more, this time hitting him in the shoulder.  He uttered a shriek of pain, and, losing his hold, tumbled backward to the ground.

The two reports alarmed the house.

“What’s the matter?” exclaimed Mr. Carroll, awakened and alarmed.

“Don’t be alarmed, sir,” said Herbert.  “A man just attempted to get in through the window, and I have wounded him.”