"We'll go and show them that we're not afraid to face anybody.

I wish people wouldn't be so suspicious." "So do I," cried Tom.

"But I say, Dick, it does look suspicious when you're found getting into anybody's house in the middle of the night with a ladder." "Well, I suppose it does," replied Dick thoughtfully.
"Why, my father would have shot at anybody he saw climbing in.

I say, are we going ?" "Yes, come along," cried Dick; and the two lads started off at a rapid pace, following in the tracks of the squire and the engineer, whose voices could be heard in a low murmur now some way ahead.
The night was glorious, and the stars were reflected in the face of the mere, whose black smooth waters seemed to form an inverted curve to complete the arch of spangled glory overhead.

From far and near came the many sounds peculiar to the wild fen, while every now and then there was a solitary splash, or perhaps a loud flapping and beating of the water following closely upon the whistling and whirring of wings.
The lads had an hour's walk before them, and if they wished to keep up with those in front, an arduous and sharp walk, for it soon became evident that they were hurrying on at a great rate.
"We shall have to run directly," said Dick, after they had been going on for about twenty minutes.