"Leave a front window open," Bunch directed, "and somewhere aroundtwo o'clock I'll squeeze through."

"I'll have it worked up good and proper," I exclaimed, eagerly. "I'llthrow out dark hints all the evening and have the bunch ready toquiver when the crash comes. As soon as I hear your signal I'llrush bravely down stairs and you shoot the ceiling. I'll give youa struggle and chase you outside. Then I'll run you down behindthe barn. There, free from observation, you can shoot a couple ofholes in my coat so that I can produce evidence of a fierce fight,and then you to the tall timber. I'll crawl breathlessly back tomy palpitating homehold, and, displaying my wounded coat, declareeverything off. I'll refuse to live any longer in a home wheremurder and sudden death occupy the spare room. It looks to me likea cinchalorum, Bunch, a regular cinchalorum!"

"It sounds good," Bunch acquiesced, "and I'll give you an imitationof the best little amateur cracksman that ever swung a jimmy. I'lltake a late train out and hang around till it really is time to ring thecurtain up. By the way, are there any revolvers on the premises?"