"You and Mortimer take the left; I'll go the other way. Buck up, or the blighter will have scooted."
Before he had finished speaking he had reached the door, clearing the steps with a single jump and bursting his way through the shrubs like a rather reckless rhinoceros.
Further strategy being apparently out of place, Mortimer and I followed as rapidly as we could. Darting up the path that ran round the other side of the house, we emerged into the clearing behind, just in time to see an unknown gentleman hurl himself frantically into the fringe of undergrowth that lined the opposite bank.
In a moment Tommy, who was hard on his heels, had plunged in after him. There was a shout, and then the dull thud of two heavily falling bodies.
"Come on," roared Tommy. "I've got him."
As he spoke, Mortimer tripped over the root of a tree and went sprawling full length on the grass. I did not wait, but leaping over a tangle of blackberry bush that barred the path, pressed on gallantly to Tommy's assistance.
I found him tied up in an amazing network of agitated arms and legs. As far as I could see, the stranger was underneath, and from the somewhat unpleasant sounds which were rising into the air, I gathered that he was finding some difficulty in breathing.
"Sit on his head," hissed Tommy's voice. "Take care he doesn't bite you. He's as strong as a horse."
I was attempting to carry out his instructions when, with a mighty effort, our visitor jerked himself clear enough to speak.
"All right, guv'nor," he gasped. "I gives in."