Charlie again took up his post, behind a bush, and waited.
In five minutes he heard a twig snap, and then a figure came along, noiselessly, and placed itself at the window.

Charlie gave him but a moment to listen, then he sprang forward, and, with his whole strength, brought his cudgel down upon the man's head.

He fell like a stone.

Charlie threw open the window, and, as he did so, the curtain was torn back by his father, the sound of the blow and the fall having reached the ears of those within.
Sir Marmaduke had drawn his sword, and was about to leap through the window, when Charlie exclaimed: "It is I, father.

I have caught a fellow listening at the window, and have just knocked him down." "Well done, my boy! "Bring lights, please, gentlemen.