The kitchen was in confusion.

Tables and chairs were overturned, and on the floor lay a man gurgling for help.

The dog was standing over him, choking him.
"The pater held his revolver to the man's ear, while I, by superhuman effort, dragged our preserver away, and chained him up to the sink, after which I lit the gas.
"Then we perceived that the gentleman on the floor was a police constable.
"'Good heavens!' exclaimed my father, dropping the revolver, 'however did you come here ?' "''Ow did _I_ come 'ere ?' retorted the man, sitting up and speaking in a tone of bitter, but not unnatural, indignation.

'Why, in the course of my dooty, that's 'ow _I_ come 'ere.

I see a burglar getting in through the window, so I just follows and slips in after 'im.' "'Did you catch him ?' asked my father.
"'Did I catch 'im!' almost shrieked the man.