He made another examination by the light of his lantern, an examination which was interrupted by a challenge from above.
"Who are you ?" It was Mrs.Rider's voice, and just then it was inconvenient for him to reveal himself.

Without a word in answer, he switched off his light and slipped into the bushes, and, more as the result of instinct than judgment, regained the wall, at almost the exact spot he had crossed it.
The road was empty, and there was no sign of the cyclist.

There was only one thing to do and that was to get back to town as quickly as possible and examine the contents of the wallet at his leisure.

It was extraordinary heavy for its size, he was reminded of that fact by his sagging pocket.
The road back to Hertford seemed interminable and the clocks were chiming a quarter of eleven when he entered the station yard.
"Train to London, sir ?" said the porter.

"You've missed the last train to London by five minutes!".