He landed squarely on Nicholas's back as the
fellow turned to escape. I saw the steel flash. Poor old Nick went
down in a heap, letting out a horrible yell. Ugo dragged him into the
room and dashed back into his own. A moment later he came out again,
yelling for help. I heard him shouting that the house had been
robbed,--and in two seconds there was an uproar all over the place. I
thought I was done for. But he had them all rushing downstairs,
yelling that the thief had gone that way. There was only one thing
left for me to do and that was to get out on the roof if possible, and
wait for things to quiet down. I got out through a trap door and
stayed there for an hour or so. They were beating the forest for the
thief, and I give you my word, believe it or not, I actually sent up a
prayer, Barnes, that you had got off safely with the girl. I prayed
harder than I ever dreamed a man could pray.
"Well, to shorten the story, I finally took a chance and slid down to
the eaves where I managed to find the limb of a tree big enough to
support me,--just as if the Lord had ordered it put there for my
special benefit. I was soon on the ground, and that meant safety for
me. I had heard Ugo tell the others that Nicholas said the man who
stabbed him was yours truly.
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