"Yonder is Venner's house, Chick," said Nick, as they picked their way along the unpaved sidewalk. "We'll vault this iron fence and steal across the grounds."
"It doesn't look much as if our quarry was there," observed Chick, as they scaled the fence.
"Their deeds are dark, and like seeks like," replied Nick. "They now may be making darkness their cover."
"Not a light in the house, is there?"
"None visible from this side. We'll steal between the house and stable, and have a look at the opposite elevation."
"Not much danger of being seen. It's as dark as a nigger's pocket under these trees."
"So much the better in case anyone is watching."
"Who lives here with Venner?"
"Only an elderly housekeeper, of whom I don't hear anything very good," replied Nick. "Venner is here but part of the time, I am told. In fact, I don't quite fathom his habits."
"Why so?"