There was no one to spy on them, as the master of the house had sent all the servants to their own quarters, and the guests were collected in the drawing-room and smoking-room, although a few of the ladies remained in their bedrooms, trying to recover from the night's experience.
"I came down here," said Garvington, opening the door, "and heard the burglar, as I thought he was, prowling about on the other side.

I threw open the door in this way and the man plunged forward to enter.

I fired, and got him in the right arm, for I saw it swinging uselessly by his side as he departed." "Was he in a hurry ?" asked Darby, rather needlessly.
"He went off like greased lightning.

I didn't follow, as I thought that others of his gang might be about, but closing the door again I shouted blue murder.

In a few minutes everyone came down, and while I was waiting--it all passed in a flash, remember, Darby--I heard a second shot.