And why was he sleeping there?
Why was he not now at work upon his project?
Again, would it be better at the present moment that he should pass by the man as though he had not seen him; or should he go back and ask him his purpose?
As the thought passed through his mind, he stayed his step for a moment on the pathway and looked round.

The man had moved his position, and was now sitting with his head turned away but evidently not asleep.

Then it occurred to Caldigate that Crinkett's slumbers had been only a pretence, that the man had seen and recognised him, and at the moment had not chosen to make himself known.

And it occurred to him also that in a matter of such importance as this he should do nothing on the spur of the moment,--nothing without consideration.

A word spoken to Crinkett, a word without consideration, might be fatal to him.