Lulu could not see the face of the latter, his back being toward her, but as the other bent forward for a moment, to watch the progress of the work, the light fell on his face, and she instantly recognized him as the tramp who had seized Fairy’s bridle in the wood.

Trembling like a leaf she put up her hand and cautiously felt for the bolt; holding tight to it and exerting all her strength, she suddenly slammed the door to and shot it into its socket.  She heard the villains drop their tools, spring toward and try the door with muttered oaths and curses; but she waited to feel for the key and turn it in the lock; even to pull it out and thrust it into the pocket of her gown, as a swift thought came to her, that there might be an accomplice lurking about who would release them if she left it there.

Then she ran as fast as her feet could carry her, through the library and hall, up the stairs and on through the rooms, never stopping until she stood panting for breath beside her sleeping father.

She could not speak for a moment, but laid her face on the pillow beside his and put her arm round his neck.

The touch roused him and he asked, “Who is it? you, Lulu?”

“Yes, papa,” she panted; “I—­I’ve locked some burglars into the strong room and—­”

“You? you have locked them in there?” he exclaimed in astonishment starting up and drawing her into his arms.  “Surely, my child, you have been dreaming.”

“No, papa, not a bit; I’ve locked them in there and here’s the key,” putting it into his hand.  “I slammed the door to on them.  I shot the bolt too, and I don’t think they can get out.  But what will we do?  Papa, can you get somebody to help you take them to jail?”

“Yes; I shall telephone at once to the sheriff at Union.”

“Who is it?  What’s the matter?” asked Violet waking.

“I can not wait at this moment to explain matters my love,” the captain said hastily picking up Lulu and putting her in the place in the bed which he had just vacated.  “I must act, leaving Lulu to tell you her story.”

With the last word he hurried from the room and the next moment they heard the telephone bell.

CHAPTER XV.

“What is it, Lu?” Violet asked in trepidation.  “Oh what is the meaning of those sounds coming from below?  Are burglars trying to break in?”

“No, Mamma Vi,” returned Lulu with a little nervous laugh, “they are trying to break out.”

“Break out? what can you mean, child?”

“They are locked into the strong room, Mamma Vi, and papa is calling for help to take them to jail.  Hark! don’t you hear him?”

They sat up in the bed, listening intently.

“Hello!” the captain called:  then in another moment, “Capt.  Raymond of Woodburn, wants the sheriff,” they heard him say.  “Ah are you there Mr. Wright?  Burglars in the house.  Burglars here.  We have them fast, locked into the room with the safe they were trying to break open.  Send a constable and several men to help him, as promptly as you can.”