"It looks as if he had escaped."
"Escaped! Impossible!"
"I hope so. Open the door quick."
The door was opened, and the two hastily entered.
"The bird is flown," said Peg.
"I--I don't understand it," said the old man, turning pale.
"I do. He has cut a hole in the door, slipped back the bolt, and
escaped. When could this have happened?"
"I don't know. Yes, I do remember, now, being disturbed last night
by a noise in the entry. I got out of bed, and looked out, but could
see no one."
"Did you come up-stairs?"
"Part way."
"When was this?"
"Past midnight."
"No doubt that was the time he escaped."
"That accounts for the door being locked," said the old man,
thoughtfully.
"What door?"
"The outer door. When I got up this morning, I found the key had
disappeared, and the door was locked. Luckily we had an extra key,
and so opened it."
"Probably he carried off the other in his pocket."
"Ah, he is a bold lad,--a bold lad," said Foley.
"You may find that out to your cost. He'll be likely to bring the
police about your ears."
"Do you think so?" said the old man, in alarm.
"I think it more than probable."
"But he don't know the house," said Foley, in a tone of reassurance.
"It was dark when he left here, and he will not be apt to find it
again."
"Perhaps not, but lie will be likely to know you when he sees you
again.
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