People who receive unexplained packages are usually keen to have them open; the example of Miss Hazeltine (whom he cursed again) was there to remind him of the circumstance; and if anyone had opened the water-butt--'O Lord!' cried Morris at the thought, and carried his hand to his damp forehead.
The private conception of any breach of law is apt to be inspiriting, for the scheme (while yet inchoate) wears dashing and attractive colours.

Not so in the least that part of the criminal's later reflections which deal with the police.

That useful corps (as Morris now began to think) had scarce been kept sufficiently in view when he embarked upon his enterprise.

'I must play devilish close,' he reflected, and he was aware of an exquisite thrill of fear in the region of the spine.
'Main line or loop ?' enquired the cabman, through the scuttle.
'Main line,' replied Morris, and mentally decided that the man should have his shilling after all.

'It would be madness to attract attention,' thought he.