But before he had decided that he had been made the victim of a hoax, a movement took place in the area under the stoop, and an officer stepped out, with a countenance expressive of sufficient perplexity for Mr.Gryce to motion him back with the hurried inquiry: "Anything wrong?
Any blood shed?
All seems quiet here." The officer, recognizing the old detective, touched his hat.

"Can't get in," said he.

"Have rung all the bells.

Would think the house empty if I had not seen something like a stir in one of the windows overhead.

Shall I try to make my way into the rear yard through one of the lower windows of Knapp & Co.'s store, next door ?" "Yes, and take this boy with you.