I instantly slipped off my shoes, and crept out of my room and down the stairs.

I could not get to the library from the hall, as the stage blocked the way, and I had to go all the way round by the drawing-room and morning-room.

As I went I thought how easy it would be for Carr to force the lock of the drawer; and so, it flashed across me, could I.Oh, Ralph!" said Charles, "I went down solely to look after your property for you, but I _did_ think of it.

I hope I should not have done it, but I suddenly remembered how hard pressed I was for money, and I did think of the crescent, and how you would hardly miss it, and how--but what does it matter now?
When I got to the library I found I was too late.

The lock of the drawer had been forced, and it was empty.
There was nothing for it but to go back to my room.