Charles placed a warning hand on Peter's arm; Peter nodded, and stayed very still.
"Any luck?" inquired the small man, in a low voice.
Strange shook his head. "No. We shall have to try the other way again."
"Ah!" said the other gloomily. "I don't half like it, guv'nor, and that's the truth. Supposing we was to be seen? It would look a bit unnatural, wouldn't it? It's risky, that's what it is. One of them might wake up, and I don't see myself doing no spook stunts. Clean out of my line, that is. I done some jobs in my time, as you know, but I don't like this one. It's one thing to crack a crib, but this job ain't what I'd call straightforward."
"You'll be all right," Strange said rather impatiently. "If you'd remember not to waylay me where we might easily be seen together. Go on ahead. I'll follow."
"All right, guv'nor: just as you say," the small man replied, unabashed, and moved off down the path.
When Strange had gone Charles looked at Peter. "Very interesting," he said. "What did you make of it?"
"God knows. It sounded as though they were going to burgle the place, but I suppose it's not that. It looks very much as though one or both of them were responsible for last night's picnic."
"And they'll have to "try the other way again,"' mused Charles. "Look here, Peter, are you game to sit up tonight with me, and see what happens?"
"Of course, but Celia'll throw a fit."