He counted five coats and as many vests--and was racking his brains for some plausible excuse for a nearer inspection, when she stopped in the midst of her work, with the cheery remark: "That will do for to-night.

To-morrow I will look them all over for moths before hanging them away in the closet." And he had to go, leaving them lying there within reach of his hand, when one glance at the lining of a certain coat which had especially attracted his eye might have given him the one clue he most needed.
The room which had been allotted to him in this house was in the rear and at the top of a steep flight of stairs.

As he sought it that night, he cast a quick glance through the narrow passageway opening just beyond his own door.

Would it be possible for him to thread those devious ways and reach Mr.Roberts' room without rousing Mrs.Weston, who in spite of her years had the alertness of a watchdog with eye and ear ever open?
To be found strolling through quarters where he had no business would be worse than being suspected of taking a personal interest in the owner's garments.

He was of an adventurous turn, and ever ready to risk something on the turn of a die, but not too much.