The Rival Robbers (Inside Story 9)

By Dr E J Yeaman

In a story called A Thief in the Night, Raffles a gentleman burglar, breaks into a posh mansion to steal jewels. But somebody from another story had gone to A Thief in the Night. That meant a mission for me. I’m Jam Rodger, and I’m a Guardian: it’s my job to stop people from spoiling stories. I was sent to A Thief in the Night to look after Raffles. We had a fight with the intruder – Bill Sikes, the bruiser from Oliver Twist. Then both Raffles and Bill decided to steal jewels from two other stories – The Moonstone and The Three Musketeers. And I had to stop them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dr E J Yeaman
• Release date: Jan 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311559883

Dr E J Yeaman

I retired (early) and started a new career as a writer. I wrote short stories and articles. Some were published; some won prizes; some sank without trace.Having heard my stories, two friends suggested I should write for children. I’d never thought of that, although I’d spent my first career communicating with young people – as a Chemistry teacher, and running clubs for badminton, chess, table tennis and hillwalking.I tried writing for young people – and I loved it. It became my main occupation. I sent samples to publishers. One asked to see a complete story. In excitement, I sent it off. Then nothing. After four months, I rang, and was told the manuscript was being considered: I would be notified. Then more nothing. Now, after eight years, I no longer rush to the door when the letter box rattles.But I kept writing the stories because I enjoyed it so much. Until, in late 2013, I learned I could publish my stories and games as e-books. Since then, I’ve been polishing and issuing some of them. I hope everyone enjoys reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.Check out the series:C: Charades – party game – a new twist to the traditional game.D: Diagags – party game – gags written as plays for two people.M: My Story – novels – classical stories, told by the heroes.O: One-Offs – party game – guess the titles, not quite the classical ones.P: Pop Tales – short stories – inspired by 60s and 70s hit songs.Q: Quote-Outs – word games – can you deduce the missing words?S: Inside Story – novels – a boy’s adventures inside classical stories.T: Troubleshooters – novels – space adventures for young people.

Book preview

I was standing in a small open space among high bushes. Above them, treetops were silhouetted against the night sky. A cold wind made me shiver. From the distance came the sounds of shouting and laughing, like a drunken party.

I didn’t fancy moving, but I had a job to do. I couldn’t do it by standing there. I had to have a (cautious) look around. As I pushed gently through the bushes, the scraping leaves seemed horribly loud. The party people wouldn’t hear them, but others might. I stopped, holding my breath, but the only sounds were the rustling of the leaves in the wind, and a burst of laughter in the distance.

After a few steps, I reached a wide gap in the bushes and trees, probably the drive of a big house to my right. The happy noises were coming from that direction.

What now? I decided to lurk for a while. I was looking for a man called Raffles. Everybody knew he played cricket – sometimes for the MCC – but nobody knew he was also a burglar. Maybe he was planning to burgle this house. I’d been warned that he was in danger. It was my job to guard him.

I’d stood for two hours in a draughty London alley, watching for Raffles to come out of the posh mansion where he lived, so that I’d know him if I saw him. Huh! That wouldn’t do much good in this darkness. He could be a metre away from me, and I wouldn’t even see him.

The thought made me look around nervously. My eyes were used to the dark, but, under the trees, the drive was black. Nobody was on it – as far as I could see.

I sneaked out of the bushes onto something soft, a grass verge on the edge of the drive.

Keeping on the grass in the shadow of the bushes, I crept up the side of the drive. It curved round until I could see the silhouette of the house against the sky – three storeys, plus chimneys and a tower. Only one window was lit, the middle one of three to the right of the front door. It was brightly lit, but Venetian blinds stopped me seeing inside, although the party noises must be coming from there.

If I wanted to learn anything, I should peep through those Venetian blinds, but I didn’t fancy the idea. If anyone was around, he might see me crossing the top of the drive, and he’d certainly see my shadow against the window. Maybe I should….

Got you! Somebody grabbed me from behind.

2

I couldn’t escape because his left arm was round my chest, pinning my arms to my sides, and I couldn’t call out because his right hand was over my mouth.

He breathed into my ear, Do you want hurt?

I shook my head – as much as I could – and mumbled, No into his hand.

Then, if I release your mouth, will you maintain a discreet silence?

I nodded and mumbled, Yes.

Thank you. The hand left my mouth. Then let’s see what we can find out about you. As he spoke, the hand went into my pocket.

No! I couldn’t help squeaking it, and wriggling frantically as he took out the incorporator.

What is this? he whispered. I shall examine it later when I have more light. His hand explored my other pockets, but left the hankies.

Should I beg for the incorporator? No: if I pretended it wasn’t important, maybe I’d have a better chance of getting it – by asking for it or by stealing it.

The whisper came in my ear. I wish to speak to you. If I release you, will you promise not to run away?

I breathed, I… I promise.

The question arises – should I believe you? Before I could answer, he went on, I think I shall believe you – up to a point. He slid his hand down to grip my right wrist, then swung me round to face him. What’s your name?

James. James… er, Binks.

That was not said with great conviction. However, we shall let it pass. How old are you, James?

Nearly thirteen.

That sounded more positive. Now that you have started on the path of truth, please try to continue. Why are you lurking in these grounds on this cold April evening?

I… I… was just looking.

Why were you just looking?

I… I was curious about the party.

I fear that you have strayed from the path of truth again, my boy. His grip tightened on my wrist, and he jerked me towards him. Tell me now: what are you doing here?

I… I… I told you. I was just looking. In the dark, I couldn’t see him properly, but I thought he was the man I’d seen in London – Raffles.

When you don’t give me clear answers, I must suspect that you are here for no honest purpose.

I didn’t speak.

If I release you, what will you do?

I… I don’t know. I was almost certain he was Raffles, but I had to stay with him because he had my incorporator.

Then let us find out. He let go of my wrist. When I didn’t move, he asked, Why are you waiting?

I had to take the risk. I think you’ve come here to burgle that house. I’m coming with you.

He gave a low laugh. Are you indeed? I don’t concede that I intend to burgle that house, but pray tell me what you will do if I refuse to accept your company?

I took two steps back, onto the drive, out of his reach. I’ll shout and scream – so loud that they’ll hear me, even over the noise of their party.

Come here, you little fool! Do you want to spoil everything?

I’ll come back if you swear not to hurt me, and to let me come with you when you burgle that house.

I held my breath for a few seconds, while I sensed him staring at me, before he laughed again. You young hound! I promise. Now come into the shadows before they spot you.

Thanks. I had to trust him but I was nervous as I went back among the bushes beside him.

He said, If we are to be partners in crime, I must introduce myself. My name is Glasspool, but you may call me ‘sir’.

Glasspool! I had a moment of horrible doubt before I realised he’d never give me his proper name. I grinned and said, Yes, sir.

Would you care to introduce yourself again?

My first name is James, but my friends call me Jam. And, if your name is Glasspool, my second name is still Binks. Sir.

He laughed again. You young scamp! Let us leave it at that. Do you know the lie of the land here?

Not really.

I have inside information. A friend, who is familiar with the house, has drawn me a plan of it. I intend – we intend – to enter while the occupants are enjoying their merry meal. The lady of the house will be wearing some of her jewels, but most of them will be in her bedroom on the first floor. That is our goal. Is that clear?

Yeah.

They are celebrating the end of the fox-hunting season. I hope they are all in that lighted room, making merry. If you would care to lurk here and call the alarm at the first hint of anything suspicious, I shall creep across to confirm it.

As he began to sneak along the edge of the drive, I said, No! I’m coming with you. That’s what we agreed.

He sighed. Yes. That’s what we agreed. I swear I had no intention of deserting you. Accompany me if you must. Preferably with less noise than you made coming up that drive. He vanished into the darkness.

I started after him – for long enough to realise I couldn’t see him. He was gone.

3

I gave a loud whisper. Hey!

I had no idea where he came from, but he grabbed my wrist. Hush! Do you wish to rouse the whole county?

I… I’m sorry. I couldn’t see you.

Come. Holding my wrist, he crept beside the bushes until we were opposite the corner of the house. We must cross the gravel. I trust that you won’t lose me there. He let go of my wrist. Do try to tread lightly. If you alert those merrymakers, we must abandon the attempt. He ran quietly across the gravel to the corner of the house.

I ran after him. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. I… I’m sorry, sir.

Shh!

We sneaked along the front of the house, past the dark window, to where the bright one made a yellow patch on the gravel. Glasspool breathed, Two seconds.

Luckily the Venetian blinds had gaps, letting us peep through. Into a big room, brightly lit by a huge chandelier hanging over a table loaded with plates, glasses and bottles. About twenty people sat round it. A woman and a boy, wearing ordinary clothes, were sitting quietly. Not like the others – men with red jackets and red faces, shouting and laughing. Facing us, at the head of the table, was a big, fat man with…. Glasspool dragged me away.

At the corner of the house, he whispered, They are all there, but we may not have long. They were starting their sweet. When they finish the meal, the lady may wish to escape to her room.

We went round a bay window on the side of the house to the dark corner beyond. Glasspool said, The first-floor bedroom has a balcony over this window. That will provide a simple way in.

Simple? I looked up the sheer wall into the darkness. How d’you expect me to climb up there?

I have my own methods. He unfastened his coat and, from round his waist, unwound a rope with loops in it. He unscrewed the end of his walking stick, and brought out a lot of thin rods which he fitted together like a fishing rod