By this artifice that which in reality completed his disguise seemed but a natural movement in an old man to see better who it was that wanted him.
"What be you doing here ?" said the man.
"Well, my good man," said Monckton, affecting surprise, "I have been visiting an old friend, and now I'm going home again.

I hope I am not trespassing.

Is not this the way to the village?
They told me it was." "That's right enough," said the deputy, "but by the way you come you just have seen him." "No, sir," said Monckton, "I haven't seen anybody except one gentleman, that came through that wood there as I passed it." "What was he like, sir ?" "Well, I didn't take particular notice, and he passed me all in a hurry." "That would be the man," said the deputy.

"Had he a very pale face ?" "Not that I remarked; he seemed rather heated with running." "How was he dressed, sir ?" "Oh, like many of the young people, all of one pattern." "Light or dark ?" "Light, I think." "Was it a tweed suit ?" "I almost think it was.

What had he been doing--anything wrong?
He seemed to me to be rather scared-like." "Which way did he go, sir ?" "I think he made for that great house, sir." "Come on," said the deputy, and he followed this treacherous indication, hot in pursuit.
Monckton lost no time.