“Very well, sir,” replied Dick; and they strolled slowly along the now deserted road, with the lights in the upper windows of the houses gradually dying out one by one, as if to prove that the lieutenant’s words about being late were correct.
To their great satisfaction, though, the lights were still plainly to be seen in the last house but one of those standing back, and as they passed the swing gates no policeman was visible.
But they walked on back towards the town for another hundred yards, and then stopped.
“Coast quite clear, sir,” said Dick.
“Think so, Smithson? Is it safe?”
“The constable has evidently gone on his round.”
“But he said something about watching.”
“Yes, sir; but he would not stop in one place. I’d venture, if I were you.”
“Then we will, Smithson. Come along back at once, and let’s get it over. The plan of attack is to go quickly through the gate, pass on to the grass, and then right up to the house—on the lawn, of course. Then one, two, three, four, and start at once.”
“Yes, sir; I understand. I’ll count four in a whisper, and away we go.”