H. B. Marriott Watson

“ It only made me conceive a greater respect for our opponents.
"How do you know he was the butcher-boy?" I inquired with interest.
"From his blue apron, and having no hat, sir," said Mrs. Jackman, as if it were ridiculous to ask such a question.
"Well, he was n't," I said sharply. "And the sooner we get back the better. Jackman, does n't it strike you as remarkable that while I am engaged with one gentleman in the front, both Mrs. Jackman and you are inveigled away by another at the back? You see what the effect is—to leave the house bare of its defences." ”

“ The butcher-boy had been busy with her earlier than with her husband, but her excitable feminine nature did not warrant such a plausible trick as had disengaged Jackman from his duty. She had been informed that Miss Harvey had had an accident, and was in the shed and that water was needed immediately. On the fleet wings of mercy the poor woman sped to find herself an easy captive. ”

“ Mr. Toosey put down his palette. "Police?" he asked with interest.
"Well, not precisely."
Mr. Toosey seemed disappointed.
"Duns!" I said.
He laughed. "Oh, duns!" as if that mattered nothing in the least.
"The fact is," said I, again playing on the adventurous heart I had detected in him, "all these people are after him." I waved a hand vaguely at the window. Mr. Toosey's eyes sparkled. "And I'm hiding him. I don't want you to mention he is here, seeing I 've taken you into my confidence." ”