JACK IS DETECTED In the course of the afternoon, Jack made another visit to the foot of the staircase.

He saw through the crevice the same two men at work, but the old man was not with them.

Ascertaining this, he ought, in prudence, immediately to have retraced his steps, but he remained on watch for twenty minutes.

When he did return he was startled by finding the old man seated, and waiting for him.

There was a menacing expression on his face.
"Where have you been ?" he demanded, abruptly.
"Downstairs," answered Jack.
"Ha! What did you see ?" "I may as well own up," thought Jack.