The cold dew of intense fear stood upon his brow, and his sense of hearing appeared to be getting preternaturally acute. Not a word that was said escaped him, although it was right away in the garden that this, to him, fearfully interesting conversation took place.
"What is the matter?" he heard the woman say, and then the rough voice replied to her—
"We are the police, my good woman, and we are in search of a man who is hidden somewhere about this neighbourhood. Has any one come into your place, or have you seen a tall man pass the cottage?"
"No," said the woman.
Todd breathed a little more freely.
"It's very odd," said another voice; "for he must be about this spot, that is quite clear, as he was dodging about the field at the back of here, and hiding in the hedge. We must have passed him."
"Well, he can't get away," said a third; "but after all, he may be lying down somewhere in the garden, for all we know to the contrary."
"I don't think it," said the woman.
At this moment, the child began to cry violently.
"Oh, confound you for a brat!" said Todd, "I wish it was only safe to throttle you."