As to Martin, I would do well, he said, to make sure of him before he could do any harm.
He gave me the guns done up in a truss of straw to avoid detection, and with this clumsy parcel slung across the mare's back I trotted home.
As I came near the avenue I noticed a skulking figure step quickly behind the trees, and guessed this was probably the messenger who had promised to come over to warn Martin of what was in store.

I doubted whether I ought not to attack him there and then.

But had I done so I might have given an alarm, and lost my guns into the bargain.

So I pretended to see nothing, and passed on, whistling to myself, up to the house.
The afternoon was already well advanced before I dismounted in the stable-yard.

Martin, as I expected, stood there waiting for me.