60 J. COLE.

likely a poker heated in the gas, and then
forced inwards from the burnt woodwork.

“* How was it,” I asked, “Joe did not wake
during all this, or Bogie bark?”

As I asked the question, I noticed that my
sister turned away; and Mrs. Wilson, after
vainly endeavoring to look unconcerned, threw
her apron suddenly over her head, and burst
out crying. |

“What is the matter?” I said, sitting up;
“what are you all hiding from me? Send
Joe to me; I will learn the truth from him.”

At this the policeman came forward, and
then I heard that Joe was missing, his room
was in great disorder, and one of his shoes,
evidently dropped in his hurry, had been
found in the garden, near some spoons thrown
down by the thieves; his clothes were gone,
so he evidently had dressed himself after pre-
tending to go to bed as usual; his blankets
and sheets were taken away, used no doubt,
the policeman said, to wrap up the stolen
things.

“Ts it possible,” I asked, “that you sus-
pect Joe is in league with these burglars?”