Page:The Semi-detached House.djvu/248

 "Ah, there they are," said Mrs. Hopkinson, jumping up in a fright. "Oh John, what shall we do? I knew they would come to us in our turn."

"Who would come, Jane?" said Captain Hopkinson, who was half asleep.

"Why, the burglars, of course! What will become of us! Where's my purse? I always keep a purse ready to give them, it makes them so good-humoured. Oh dear, what a noise they make, and they will be quite savage if they are kept waiting," she said, as another violent ringing was heard. "John, John, you must not go down to them, they will knock you down. Let me go."

"I don't see," said John, laughing, "why I am to let you go and be knocked down instead of me; but, my dear, there is no danger, burglars do not come and ring the bell and ask to be let in like morning visitors. It must be the policeman."

"Ah, poor man! I daresay, with his head knocked to pieces with a life preserver, and all over kicks and bites. But, perhaps, he