However, everything has been perfectly quiet since I went out, and it is hardly likely indeed that the fellow would have returned so soon after the hot chase I gave him." "It is very stupid--the window being left open," the Squire said.

"I shall question Martha about it in the morning; it was her duty to see that it was shut and fastened before drawing the curtains.

Just at present one can scarcely be too careful.

I don't mean to deny that whether there was a window open or not a burglar who wanted to get into the house could do so, still there is no use in making their work more easy for them.

I know, as a rule, we are careless about such things; there has not been a burglary in this part for years, and until lately the front door has never been locked at night, and anyone could have walked in who wanted to.