To act the spy upon a friend was a hateful task.

Still, I could see no better course than to observe him from the hill, and to clear my conscience by confessing to him afterwards what I had done.

It is true that if any sudden danger had threatened him I was too far away to be of use, and yet I am sure that you will agree with me that the position was very difficult, and that there was nothing more which I could do.
Our friend, Sir Henry, and the lady had halted on the path and were standing deeply absorbed in their conversation, when I was suddenly aware that I was not the only witness of their interview.

A wisp of green floating in the air caught my eye, and another glance showed me that it was carried on a stick by a man who was moving among the broken ground.

It was Stapleton with his butterfly-net.