You seem to rather fancy yourself as a thief-catcher." "I wouldn't go so far as that, my lord," the man replied respectfully, "but still, I hope I may say that I've as much common sense as most people.

You see, sir," he went on, turning to Quest, "the spots where he could emerge from this track of country are pretty well guarded, and he'll be in a fine mess, when he does put in an appearance, to show himself upon a public road.

Yet by this time I should say he must be nigh starved.
Sooner or later he'll have to come out for food.

I've a little scheme of my own, sir, I don't mind admitting," the man concluded, with a twinkle in his keen brown eyes.

"I'm not giving it away.