"Unless somebody kills you in the meantime," concluded Mr. Vyner. "It is not fair to tempt people beyond their strength, Bassett. Even a verdict of 'Justifiable homicide' might not quite ease the slayer's conscience."
"No, sir," said the perplexed youth.
Mr. Vyner suddenly dropped his bantering air.
"How was it I didn't see you?" he demanded, sternly.
"I don't think you looked my side of the road, sir," said Bassett. "You were watching Mr. Hartley's windows all the time; and, besides, I was behind that hedge."
He pointed to a well-trimmed privet hedge in a front garden opposite.
"Behind the hedge?" repeated the other, sharply. "What were you there for?"
"Watching a snail, sir," replied Bassett.
"A what?" inquired Mr. Vyner, raising his voice.
"A snail, sir," repeated the youth. "I've got a book on natural history, and I've just been reading about them. I saw this one as I was passing, and I went inside to study its habits. They are very interesting little things to watch—very."