Unless anyone took a pot-shot at me from the Park railings, I felt that I was fairly safe, and my sense of security was increased by seeing a comfortable-looking Bobby standing right under the big electric light just opposite my home.
He saluted me as I came up.
"Good evening, Constable," I said.
"Good evenin', sir," he returned. "No more trouble with any of them beggars, I hope?"
It was just on the tip of my tongue to ask, "What beggars?" when I suddenly recollected myself.
"No, thanks," I said, wondering what on earth he meant.
"Since you complained to me, sir, I've been keeping a good look-out, and I reckon they've spotted it and cleared off."
In a flash I realised that Northcote must have taken these ingenious means of rendering any vigil on the part of M. Guarez and his friends a somewhat trying affair.
"I'm much obliged to you," I said. "I don't want to complain officially, but you might keep your eyes open a bit longer. It's a nuisance to have people hanging round the house."
As I spoke, I handed him half a sovereign, which he accepted without a quiver.