"By Jove, I'll soon find out! Come on. There's hope yet."
This time we reached the stone steps without interference. I gave the
candle to the girl, cautiously put a shoulder against one of the doors,
and gave a gentle heave. It was not locked. Through the thin crack I
looked out upon the bright world of moonshine and crystal. Instantly I
permitted the door to settle into its accustomed place. I readily
understood the burglar's reasons. Seated upon a box, less than a dozen
feet away, and blissfully smoking one of the club's cigars, sat a burly
policeman. So _they_ had arrived upon the scene!
"What is it?" asked the girl, as I motioned her to retreat.
"The worst has come: the police!" dramatically.
"Gracious heavens, _this_ is frightful! We shall never get out now.
Oh dear! Why did I ever come? It will be in the papers, with horrid
pictures. We ought not to have left the ball-room. Our very actions
will tell heavily against us. Awful!"
"Now, don't you worry. They will not take any notice of you, once they
set eyes upon me. _Homo sum_! They are looking for _me_. There's
only one superfluous ten of hearts. I have it."
"But I shall be found with you, and the stupid police will swear I am
an accomplice.
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