Let that pass; I was not a unique specimen.
Full of my noble resolve of saving the Dux from himself, I went out to take the air, and strolled aimlessly in the direction of the pond.

A professional burglar could not have ordered his footsteps more circumspectly.

I perambulated the pool, whistling a cheerful tune, and looking attentively at the rooks overhead.

Not a soul was in sight.

I began to throw stones into the water, small to begin with, then larger, then bits of stick about six inches long.