Jim Silver looked sheepish and sullen.
But whether the girl's attitude was due to the fact that he was still in disgrace or to her resentment that he should be telling tales, he did not know.
The young man's affairs in London were almost wound up, and he was making his home at Putnam's.
About the place, early and late, he became aware that Joses was haunting the barns and out-houses. More than once in the lengthening days he saw the fat man vanishing round a corner in the dusk.
Taking the bull by the horns, he spoke to Monkey Brand about it.
"Why not turn Billy Bluff loose after dark?" he suggested.
Monkey was stubborn.
"Can't be done, sir."
"Why not?"