'T WAS MIDNIGHT.

MY chum and I were sitting on the hearth-rug warming our feet. We had been sitting there with the light out for some time, talking about house-breaking. I was urging that it was a safe and lucrative occupation; he had taken the opposite ground, and, as usual, was having rather the best of it.

"Just think of the risks a burglar runs," said he "For instance, if a man should try our door now, you could hide behind the curtain there, and I could get into the coal-closet; and when he got in we would let him get together all the things he wanted in this room, and when he went into one of the bedrooms we could spring out and shut him up."

This seemed plausible, and I told him so, but there were many conditions which he had not considered; such as - and I stopped to listen to a step on the stair, a soft and catlike step, as of one in his stocking-feet. "Some one has stolen Jones's boots," whispered my chum.

But no, it wasn't Jones, for the steps approached our door, and we heard the noise of a pair of shoes set cautiously down. Then a key was thrust quietly into the lock; there was no hesitation, it went straight in, but did not govern it. Then it was removed, and there was a suppressed rattling heard, as of a key-bunch.

"Jove!" said I, "we'd better try your plan."

I could see him nod his head in the firelight as he turned to the closet. I fled to the curtain. You have no idea how long it seemed as I waited for the entrance of the burglar. I could feel the wind blow in through the cracks in the window; it wasn't comfortable. But at last a dexterous turn threw the bolt, and the door opened. A dark form crossed the room and entered my bedroom, shutting the door carefully. I came out into the room, my chum did the same; we seized our canes from the chandelier, and I lighted the gas.

"What in the name of wonder - ?" I ventured.

"Hush!" said my chum, "we must bag our game."

We walked to the door, cane in hand; when we were quite near, the lock clicked furtively.

"Well, I never!" said I.

My chum said nothing. He went into his bedroom and took the key from that door. He then tiptoed to the burglar's fortress, and pushed the key into the key-hole. We heard a key drop on the other side.

"Now," said he, "as I open the door, rush in, I'll back you up."

To tell the truth, I did n't feel very enthusiastic about rushing; but my courage was at stake, and with my heart in my mouth, I said, "All right."

He opened the door, and in I went, cane raised. The room was dark; I gave at random all the cuts of the sabre exercise, when, as the door opened wider, I saw that the room was empty, but the window open. I pointed to it.

"Pshaw!" said my chum, "bring a match." I lighted the gas. Where do you think the burglar was? In my bed, with his eyes shut.

"Idiot!" said I, "he 's shamming sleep; cold water will do him good."

I took the pitcher, when he rubbed his eyes and said, "Now, Dick, don't douse me; I won't be so late again." His eyes were open now. "Why, it is n't Dick!" he screamed, as he started up.

I launched the pitcher into his face. It was summary treatment, I know, but I think it did him good, for he did not speak till we had each taken an arm and hauled him into the main room. He was a mild-looking youth, in a frock-coat and white tie.

"Who are you, anyway?" said I.

He looked at our airy garb. "I 'm afraid I have got into the wrong room," said he, meekly. "I beg pardon, I 'm sure."

"Who are you, anyway?" I repeated.

"I'm a Freshman," said he, "and I live with my brother at No. X, Matworthy."

"Young man," said my chum, "if you speak the truth, your room is on the lower story. But I think that you came here on purpose."

"I can prove my identity," said he anxiously, and he pulled out his pocket-book. "Here's my card. No, it is n't, either. But - I don't want to wake my brother, you see, - I have my name on my watch, and - yes," triumphantly, "I have my Bursar's certificate." And he put it into my hand.

We examined it; it was all right.

"I beg your pardon for suspecting you," said I, "but you are at fault, as you will admit." He nodded. "To make assurance doubly sure, however, I will go with you to your room below."

"Only don't make a noise," said he; "I would n't have my brother waked for anything."

"Your visit," said my chum, "necessitates the placing of a new lock on our door. I think it only fair that you should pay half. And while you are here, perhaps you would like to subscribe to the Matworthy boat-club." You see my chum's a treasurer, and has an eye to number one.

"Thank you," said he, smiling blandly, "but I have left my purse at home. I will consult my brother."

We went down stairs together, he entreating me to walk softly. As he was opening the door he entreated me in a whisper not to speak of the adventure to his brother.

"He does n't like to have me out late," said he, "and I might get ducked again." He laughed shiveringly, and shut the door.

I, shivering, hied me to my downy couch.

M. B.