Mr. Warmore was nervous, for the experience was new to him. He succeeded
by a great effort in keeping himself well in hand, venturing only to
whisper a word now and then.
"You don't think he is likely to come in the back way?" he asked in a
guarded undertone.
"There is not the slightest danger of his doing so. That would look
suspicious. He will use the front door, so, if seen and challenged, he
will be ready with the excuse that he has called on legitimate business of
his own. At the same time, he will try to manage it so as not to be
observed by any one. That watchman of yours is not the keenest-eyed fellow
in the world."
Some time later, just as the town clock finished booming the hour of
midnight, the officer touched the arm of his companion, who said,--
"I haven't noticed anything; what is it?"
"Did you hear some one walk past?"
"Yes; the footfall sounded plainly enough: what of it?"
"That is the third time that man has gone by. He is on the alert."
"It may have been different persons."
"It was the same man--sh! there he comes on the porch."
In the stillness of the night the sound was plainly heard.
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