myself after our tour of inspection.

"Not so loud on the stairs," whispered Raffles. "There's only one
door between us and - "

Raffles stood still at my feet, and well he might! A deafening
double knock had resounded through the empty house; and to add to
the utter horror of the moment, Raffles instantly blew out the light.
I heard my heart pounding. Neither of us breathed. We were on our
way down to the first landing, and for a moment we stood like mice;
then Raffles heaved a deep sigh, and in the depths I heard the gate
swing home.

"Only the postman, Bunny! He will come now and again, though they
have obviously left instructions at the post-office. I hope the
old colonel will let them have it when he gets back. I confess it
gave me a turn."

"Turn!" I gasped. "I must have a drink, if I die for it."

"My dear Bunny, that's no part of my Rest Cure."

"Then good-by! I can't stand it; feel my forehead; listen to my
heart! Crusoe found a footprint, but he never heard a double-knock
at the street door!"

"'Better live in the midst of alarms,'" quoted Raffles, "'than dwell
in this horrible place.' I must confess we get it both ways, Bunny.
Yet I've nothing but tea in the house."