, Clink, clink, clink—and with a sharp, splintering sound the iron bar gave way ;at the bottom. Then its assailants laid down the stone, sprang upon the window sill, and with a violent wrench broke oQ he bar at the top. Then the two house breakers spoke to each other in low tones, their voices barely reaching the cars of the watchers and listeners inside.' 11 was impossible to make out what they Baid, still less to identify their voices, even supposing that Tom or the General knew either of them. After a few seconds' pause the assault .was commenced on another stanchion. 'When two had been removed the housebreakers might smash the (window. Clink, clink, clink, again went the stone against the iron. Soon the second stanchion would fall and the robbers would have free entrance to the •bencral s house and to his treasure. Then an awful thought occurred to Tom Ashton. What if this excitement .should bring on the sudden illness of which the General had spoken ! What if the General should turn useless. The General, however, seemed to be quite cool and ready for action, while loin trembled with excitement. " Down on the floor I" he whispered, I™} both dropped upon their knees, ■ JNow, well crawl forward to the win dow. Cautiously now, and mind your "pistol doesn't go ofl before the time." So, like two sportsmen stalking a stag, Tom and the General crawled across the kitchen floor, hoping that the house -breakers, so intent on their task, would not notice them. On the inside of the window and level with the lowermost panes were a row of fucsias, geraniums and musk plants cultivated by Li?! Ferine and under the shadow of those the two watchers paused and waited to see what would happen next "We'll try to disable them both, torn whispered the General, " then jwel catch them and haul both the blackguards off to gaol. Be ready now when I give the word," Looking intently upwards, Tom had 'between him and the sky the face of the man who was hammering at the iron 'bar. He thought he recognised the features indistinctly as they shoved in ■the dim light. Surely that waa i At that, moment the second iron bar 'gave way, and the housebreakers, laying their hands upon it, easily pulled it rom its position. 