62 Tom Seven Years Old.

couldn't know we were coming. ‘Thats
impossible. Now hold the candle, and
shade it with your hand—so, Push me up
as soon as I’ve got on the box and opened
the window.”

Tom stood ready, shading the candle care-
fully, as he was told. Suddenly a voice called
from outside the room—

“Who's there? Is anyone there ?”

“Bob!” whispered Tom, in a great fright ;
“did you hear that ?”

‘“T won't come down,” said Bob. ‘Hand
me the stick. I’ve just gotatthem. I think
I see one sitting on the slates.”

“Who's there ?” repeated the voice, louder.
“Is anyone there ?”

“ Bob!" whispered Tom, in a greater fright,
“get down—do. Somebody's coming. |
hear them !”

Bob turned round and listened. There
were certainly footsteps moving in the next
‘room.

“It’s Ann,” he whispered. “What a pity!
I was so near them! Blow out the candle,