Upon arriving at the place of his destination, he considered for a few moments, and then determined upon his plan of action.
His object was to get into the grounds which surrounded the habitation in the dusk of the evening, and then wait a convenient time to effect an entrance into the house.
There were policemen about whom Peace managed to dodge for a time.
They had, however, observed him, and were, in consequence, on the watch.
This fact he was not aware of; had he been so, the chances are that he would not have made any attempt on the house that night.
He, however, walked into the grounds through the gate, and before he was able to begin his operations, he heard a step and a rustling behind him. He became suddenly alarmed, and turned sharply round, when, to his dismay, he beheld a policeman, whose figure was the same as one of the two he had passed on the road. The constable in question was making the best of his way into the grounds.
He had evidently seen Peace, turned back, and followed.
Peace came to the conclusion that he could not work that night. He therefore doubled, to elude the constable.
For a moment he succeeded, and taking a favourable opportunity, he endeavoured to make his escape.
With surprising agility he sprang up on the top of the wall which inclosed the grounds, but a fresh misfortune now befel him.