He felt obliged to
lock up the station, but he promised to return at an early hour to
release them.
"Of what use," said Elizabeth Eliza, "if we cannot even then get
into our own house?"
Mr. Peterkin thought the matter appeared bad, if the locksmith had
left town. He feared the young man might have gone in, and
helped himself to spoons, and left.
Only they should have seen him if he had taken the midnight train.
Solomon John thought he appeared honest. Mr. Peterkin only
ventured to whisper his suspicions, as he did not wish to arouse
Mrs. Peterkin, who still was nodding in the corner of the long
bench.
Morning did come at last. The family decided to go to their home;
perhaps by some effort in the early daylight they might make an
entrance.
On the way they met with the night-policeman, returning from his
beat. He stopped when he saw the family.
"Ah ! that accounts," he said; "you were all out last night, and the
burglars took occasion to make a raid on your house. I caught a
lively young man in the very act; box of tools in his hand! If I had
been a minute late he would have made his way in" The family
then tried to interruptto explain "Where is he?" exclaimed Mr.
Peterkin.
"Safe in the lock-up," answered the policeman.
"But he is the locksmith!" interrupted Solomon John.
"We have no key!" said Elizabeth Eliza; "if you have locked up the
locksmith we can never get in.
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