thought the girl , as the glimmer died away , and the shadows returned to terrify her . The man seemed to look about him keenly for a moment , then vanished , and the steps went down the hall to the front door , which was opened from within and some one admitted quietly . Whispers were heard , and then feet approached again , accompanied by a gleam of light . `` Now I must scream ! '' thought Gwen ; and scream she did with all her might , as two men entered , one carrying a lantern , the other a bright tin can . `` Boys ! Robbers ! Fire ! Tramps ! Oh , do wake up ! '' cried Gwen , frantically pulling Mark by the hair , and Bob and Tony by the legs , as the quickest way of rousing them . Then there was a scene ! The boys sprung up and rubbed their eyes , the girls hid theirs and began to shriek , while the burglars laughed aloud , and poor Gwen , quite worn out , fainted away on the rug . It was all over in a minute , however ; for Mark had his wits about him , and his first glance at the man with the lantern allayed his fears . `` Hullo , Uncle Ed ! We are all right . Got tired of waiting for you , so we went to sleep . '' `` Stop screaming , girls , and quiet those children ! Poor little Gwen is badly frightened . Get some snow , Tom , while I pick her up , '' commanded the uncle , and order was soon established .
The boys were all XXXXX at once , and Ruth and Alice devoted themselves to the children , who were very cross and sleepy in spite of their fright .
Ed Gwen Hullo Mark Tom Tony Tramps first minute right