The footsteps of the average beginner are equally weak in both pursuits.

Would you mind telling me why you chose this particular form of treachery, in preference (let us say) to poison or shooting from behind a hedge?
Was it simply because you risked less?
Pardon the question, but I have a particular reason for knowing." "We're wastin' time," said Zeb, pulling out his watch again.
"It's extraordinary how a fool will stumble on good luck.

Why, sir, but for one little accident, the existence of which you could not possibly have known, I might easily have waited for the press-gang, stated the case to them, and had you lugged off to sea in my place.

Has it occurred to you, in the course of your negotiations, that the wicked occasionally stumble into pits of their own digging?
You, who take part in the psalm-singing every Sunday, might surely have remembered this.
As it is, I suppose I must hurry on my clothes, and get to church by some roundabout way." "I'm afeard you can't, without my help." "Indeed?
Why ?" "'Cause the gang is posted all round 'ee.

I met the lot half an hour back, an' promised to call 'pon you and bring word you was here." "Come, come; I retract my sneers.