"Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took next.

I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of his cast-off shoes.

With these I journeyed down to Streatham and saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," said Mr. Holder.

"Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home and changed my clothes.

It was a delicate part which I had to play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our hands were tied in the matter.

I went and saw him. At first, of course, he denied everything.

But when I gave him every particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a life-preserver from the wall.

I knew my man, however, and I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike.

Then he became a little more reasonable."