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324 in the lane. I only escaped by the merest fluke. But even then it would have been worth it. At least, I should like you to believe that I think so." "His last indiscretion," said Harry, who saw the note but not the india-rubber ball, "that means stealing your aunts' things, of course, unless it was dumping me down by the water-works, but, of course, that wasn't the last one. But worth it? Why, he'd have had seven years if they'd caught him—worth it? He must have a passion for burglary."

She did not explain to Harry, because he would never have understood. But the burglar would have found it quite easy to understand that or anything. She was so shocked to find herself thinking this that she went over to Harry and kissed him with more affection even than usual.

"Yes, dear," he said, "I don't wonder you're pleased to get something back out of all those things. I quite understand."

"Yes, dear," said she. "I know. You always do!"