wish to see his brother under take the mission alone.

It was a clear night, and although there was no moon, the stars
twinkled overhead like so many diamonds. Both knew the short cut
to Mrs. Stanhope's cottage well, and made rapid progress. "Shall
you ring the bell if everything appears to be right?" asked Tom, as
they came in sight of the modest dwelling, set in the widow's
well-kept garden.

"I guess not, Tom. It's so late. Both Mrs. Stanhope and Dora have
probably gone to bed."

They had almost reached the gate to the garden when Dick caught his
brother by the sleeve and drew him back into the shadow of a large
maple tree.

"What is it, Dick?"

"I think I saw somebody moving around the corner of the house just
now."

Both boys strained their eyes, but could see nothing that resembled
a human form.

"I don't see a thing, Dick."

"Come, we'll move around to the outside of the garden," returned
the older brother.

The flower garden was not large, and was separated from the