…‘ who has been keeping an eye on this house during my absence?”’ Yes, sir,’ I replied, not a little embarrassed, for I felt I had done rather a mean thing in thus spying on him.”I am really very much obliged to you,’ he” went on, ‘ for I find everything is all right; but come in for a moment, I can’t talk to you out there.’ Now, as you are aware, sir, the pay of a policeman is no great shakes — not as much by a long way as that of an ordinary mechanic, who has no responsibilities and very little education — so that when the gentleman fingered his waistcoat- pocket I had visions of something that might come in very useful for my wife and kids. Without unduly singing my own praises, I’m not as selfish as many working men. I only had one child, because…

…to the ground. The next instant there was a rush from the doorway, and a crowd of servants, men and women, were pommelling me without mercy.”It was in vain I reminded them I was wounded,” it was in vain I implored them to desist. Whenever they left off, the voice of their dastardly mistress from the background goaded them on to fresh endeavours, and I verily believe they would have finished me off altogether had not half a dozen policemen burst into the room, and sent them to the right-about. I was then lifted up and my wounds attended to, whilst the lady poured forth her tale.”I was at dinner,” she began,” when, hearing a noise upstairs””What sort of a noise?” the sergeant asked.”Oh, a dull thud,” the lady said, lying glibly. ” Fearing that it might be my husband, who was lying down in the dressing-room as he was…