Chivey saw the man come out of the prison, and he thought over various plans for getting hold of the letter which he knew that he must be carrying.
His first idea was to go up to him and address him straight off upon the subject; but this would not do.
The messenger would in all probability take the alarm.
He next had an idea of following up the messenger, and after giving him a crack on the head, rifling his pockets.
This idea he abandoned even sooner than the first, and this for sundry wholesome reasons.
Firstly, the man's road did not lead him into any sufficiently quiet places for such an attempt.
Secondly, the man was a tough-looking customer, and an awkward fellow to tackle.
And thirdly—but the second reason sufficed to send Chivey's mind away from all ideas of violence.
No; deeds of daring were not at all in Chivey's line.
He had a notion, however, and this was to go as fast as he could to the British consul's, and there to be ready for the messenger when he came.