A Plot Discovered. 29

remarks which were made, that those who formed
this plot were workpeople belonging to the fac-
tory, and he could scarcely restrain a movement
of horror; but, remembering that it was of the
utmost importance to become acquainted with
all the details of the affair, he remained, if pos-
sible, more motionless than before.

What each thief was to do was then arranged.

“One of us, said the man who had previously
explained the plot, ‘ will first get into the count-
ing-house through the broken window. Let us
see who is the smallest among us. It must be
Francis,’

At the mention of this name, Fred could not
help shuddering dreadfully ; but when he heard
the voice of his brother reply to the instructions
which were given, he could not help uttering,
notwithstanding all his efforts to the contrary,
an exclamation of agony and sorrow.

There was a sudden silence among the work-
men.

‘What place did that noise come from?’
asked one.

‘From somewhere in this room.’

‘There is some one here, then.’

The search did not last long, and Fred was