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THE BURGLARS given Harold due credit for his fertility of resource and powers of imagination.

'I had just finished saying my prayers,' began that young gentleman slowly, 'when I happened to look out of the window, and on the lawn I saw a sight which froze the marrow in my veins! A burglar was approaching the house with snakelike tread! He had a scowl and a dark lantern, and he was armed to the teeth!'

We listened with interest. The style, though unlike Harold's native notes, seemed strangely familiar.

'Go on,' said the curate grimly.

'Pausing in his stealthly career,' continued Harold, 'he gave a low whistle. Instantly the signal was responded to, and from the adjacent shadows two more figures glided forth. The miscreants were both armed to the teeth.'

'Excellent,' said the curate; 'proceed.'

'The robber chief,' pursued Harold, warming to his work, 'joined his nefarious comrades, and conversed with them in silent tones. His expression was truly ferocious, and I ought to have said that he was armed to the t—' 101