This windfall would keep him in cigars for some time.

It was this reflection which finally turned the wavering scale of Dick's irresolution, and determined him to embrace John's offer.
The moon was now at the full, and the nights were bright and beautiful.
Dick decided that it would be best to defer the accomplishment of his purpose till later in the month, when darker nights would serve as a screen, and render detection more difficult.
By and by a night came which he thought suitable.

A few stars were out, but they gave only a faint glimmer of light, not more than was necessary.
Dick went to bed at nine o'clock, as usual.

By an effort he succeeded in keeping awake, feeling that if he once yielded to drowsiness, he should probably sleep on till morning.

At half-past nine all in the house were abed.