The Dugdale Millions — page 235: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A BURGLARY, 226 pried off. Drawing down the sash he saw a hole had been cut through one of the panes by which an arm could be thrust through and the catch slipped back. “Tt is burglary, sure enough!” he exclaimed, “What has been stolen ?”’ Aroused by the confusion in the house Dick and Wallis came from their rooms, hastily dressed. A systematic search was entered upon. Then they began to wonder. Not an article was missing. The plate was in its place in the dining-room ; the safe in the library had not been tampered with; and opening it, its contents were found tobesecure. There was no indication that the burglar had gone beyond the library. They were stupefied—all but Mrs, Stanton who, if she were minded, could have explained. But she main- tained a guilty silence. They gathered in the library again after the examination of the house. “A most singular burglary,” said Mr. Stanton, “TI do not understand it. Not asingle article taken.” Dick was looking at the table. ‘“‘ Has anything been removed from this room since the discovery that the house had been entered was made ?”’ he asked suddenly. ‘“ Nothing,” replied Mr. Stanton promptly. “ Then,” said Dick, “the boxes left on the table last night were stolen.” Mr. Stanton counted the boxes onthe shelf. There were eight of them. “True,” he said. ‘Two of them are missing.” Mrs. Stanton was conscience-stricken, but silent. This then was what her foolish conduct had resulted in. Two boxes containing her husband’s private papers had been taken away. Of course it was a mis- take—Harold Pierson did not want those. The box he did want was within his reach, but he had missed it. She determined that she would compel him to re- turn them. Comicbookks C@ 3