"Not the first time I've got in at a winder, young gent, nor the
larst, I bet. Not by a long way. See?"

William followed more slowly. His eye gleamed with pride. This hero of
romance and adventure was now his guest, under his roof.

"Make yourself quite at home, Mr. Blank," he said with an air of
intense politeness.

Mr. Blank did. He emptied Mr. Brown's cigar-box into his pocket. He
drank three glasses of Mr. Brown's whiskey and soda. While William's
back was turned he filled his pockets with the silver ornaments from
the mantel-piece. He began to inspect the drawers in Mr. Brown's desk.
Then:

[Illustration: MR. BLANK MADE HIMSELF QUITE AT HOME]

"William! Come to tea!"

"You stay here," whispered William. "I'll bring you some."

But luck was against him. It was a visitors' tea in the drawing-room,
and Mrs. de Vere Carter, a neighbour, there, in all her glory. She
rose from her seat with an ecstatic murmur.

"Willie! _Dear_ child! _Sweet_ little soul!"

With one arm she crushed the infuriated William against her belt, with
the other she caressed his hair. Then William in moody silence sat