For several minutes nothing happened. The two men glared at each other in silence, and then there was a sound of opening doors. One closed with an echoing slam that resounded strangely through the old house, and then there were light footsteps in the hall.
"Oh! Elmer! What is it? What has happened?"
"Nothing very serious--merely a common burglar. I called you because I wished help."
"Yes, I heard the bell, and I read your message in my room by the sound. I dressed as quickly as possible. Is there no danger?"
"No. Stand back. Do not come into the room. Call the men, and let them wake the gardener and his son. You yourself call your father, and bid him dress and come down at once. And, Alma, keep cool and do not be alarmed. I need you, Alma, and you must help me."
Then the house was very still, and the watcher paced up and down before his prisoner in silence. There came a hasty opening of doors, and excited steps and flaring lamps in the hall.
"'Tis the young doctor. Oh! By mighty! Here's troubles!"
"Quiet, men! Keep quiet. Come in. He cannot hurt you."
The three men, shivering and anxious, peered into the room with blanched faces and chattering teeth.
The calm voice of the speaker reassured them, and all three volunteered to go for one.
"No. One is enough. And one of you had better go to Mr. Denny's room and help him down stairs. You, John, may stop with me."
"Never you fear. He's fastened into the chair. Besides----"
"Ay, sir, you've the little pet! That's the kind o' argiment."
"It is a rather nice weapon--six-shooter--Colt's."
Presently, with much clatter, the gardener's son brought a rope, and then, under Mr. Franklin's directions, they bound the man in the chair hand and foot.
A moment after they heard Mr. Denny's crutch stalking down the stairs, and Alma's voice assuring him that there was indeed no danger--no danger at all.
"What does this mean, Mr. Franklin?" said the old gentleman as he came to the door.
"Burglary, sir. That is all. You need fear nothing. We have secured the man."
Mr. Denny entered the room leaning on Alma's arm. He saw the open safe and the papers strewed upon the floor, and he lifted his hand and shook his head in alarm and trouble.
"A robbery! Would they ruin me utterly? Where is the villain?"